Just wanted to send out a quick thank you to everyone involved in the 2nd annual Center Ice Challenge, this years event will build on the success of last years event and is likely going to lay the ground work for an annual Christmas Tradition here in Calgary.

Shaun and I are blessed this year to have a volunteer committee of very dedicated community minded individuals, and the support of some of the finest support staff that you will find at any Big Brothers Big Sisters operation in North America.

It is important for us to have an event that is geared towards kids and adults alike and we think you are really going to enjoy the entire afternoon.

It is important for us to keep the memory of Doug Blackie alive by presenting his challenge trophy to the winner of the Center Ice Challenge and we encourage you to use this website to learn more about the man himself.

I also want to take this opportunity to invite you to find out how you can volunteer just 1 hour a week to make a difference in a Childs life by becoming a BBBS In School Mentor. I have and it has been awesome.

Most importantly Saturday Dec4th 1pm at Max Bell come have fun, cheer loud, bring your skates, and help celebrate the holidays with us.

So confident in my team and our ability to repeat I was able to deal some depth up the middle in Joel Otto to the Mustangs for a real life “acting superstar” in Heartlands Chris Potter and some future considerations. Surprisingly it wasn’t as hard as you might think to part with Otto, while a versatile centermen Joel was likely going to be 2nd and maybe even 3rd on our depth chart, my decision to play more as a forward this year really made him expendable.

Well I respect Shaun’s efforts to try and improve his club in most areas, lets be honest he needs improvements in all areas, it just won’t be enough.

Take heart fans of Heartland at least you will be able to get pictures and autographs from your hero’s after their loss.

Yup, it’s confirmed. Mike Richards from Mike Richards in the Morning on the FAN960 will be returning to be the play by play voice of this year’s Center Ice Challenge. Once again, Mike’ll bring his swagger and cache` to the microphone and, like last year, he’ll have a whole stable of guests drop by his booth for a little chat about how badly the Rob Kerr All Stars are getting beaten down.

Well, Rob Kerr and his ragtag band of All Stars may have bragging rights for their victory in last year’s Center Ice Challenge, but the Heartland Mustangs are taping our skates and sharpening our…. no…. taping our sticks and…. whatever. We’re game and thirsty for a sip from the Cup! December 4th won’t come soon enough!!

Captain Rob Kerr raises the Doug Blackie Memorial Cup at the inaugural Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Ice Challenge. It was a terrific event even though the weather tried its best to keep the fans away. The few hundred that made it were thoroughly entertained from the play by play of Mike Richards (FAN 960) right down to the shootout it took to decide who would hoist the Cup. The event raised awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary as well as over $9,000.00 to help them carry on their fantastic work in providing mentorship that positively impacts the lives of children and youth. Thank you one and all for supporting this wonderful event!!