Outdoor event raises funds for charity

The annual Winter Classic Atom Hockey Tournament is back for its sixth year.

It’s being held at Apex Resort near Penticton Feb. 6-9

“Over 130 kids from different areas of British Columbia will brave mother nature and battle on the outdoor rink at Apex for the tournament championship. The real goal isn’t all about hockey, but also about all the off-ice efforts by each one of those kids and their families to support B.C. Children Hospital Foundation,” said organizer Yannick Lescarbeau.

The hockey tournament features kids age nine and 10 and will run from Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning. The event is free and falls on Hockey Day in Canada weekend celebrations.

Lescarbeau says each team has worked several months to fundraise with all proceeds from the tournament turned over to the foundation.

“Since it’s creation, this event contributed [more than] $117,000 for sick children.”

Last year, the tournament donated $36,510 to B.C. Children’s Hospital.

The participating teams are selected based on their skills and willingness to get involve to support the cause.

“Year after year, there is a buzz in the hockey community to take part in this event. The fun of playing outdoor is a good reason for the buzz but it’s truly to support B.C. Children Hospital Foundation that motivates teams to come up and play at Apex,” Lescarbeau added.