For all the Dalhousie hockey games that happen at Dal each year—varsity and recreational—the Residence Charity Face-Off is special.
The event pits Dalhousie’s residences against each other in a battle for campus supremacy – not to mention a year’s worth of bragging rights. But more importantly, it inspires students to raise funds for the IWK Health Centre Foundation throughout the school year.
The inaugural Residence Charity Face-Off was held in 2006 to bolster the tradition of a then fledgling Risley Hall while raising funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. That first year saw the Risley Bighorns make an immediate statement, winning the Munro Cup 6-2.
Fast-forward six years to March 10, 2012, and it was the Trojans (which, in addition to Howe Hall, includes Gerard Hall, O'Brien Hall, and Mini-Res) in charge, taking the cup from the Bighorns (Risley, plus Shirreff, Eliza Ritchie and Glengary) with a 6-2 win on the strength of three unanswered third period goals. The game’s big hits and abundance of scoring provided ample excitement for a packed house, which included some special guests from the IWK Foundation, including Michael Rumsby, an oncology patient who dropped the official first puck.
$31,500 raised towards a milestone
After months of preparation and effort, the 2012 edition of the Residence Charity Face-Off ended with individual awards and a trophy presentation, but the highlight was the $31,500 cheque made out to the IWK Health Centre Foundation. While the exact donation sum is expected to rise slightly before the final calculation, it is already the most significant donation in the event’s history.
Just as importantly: with this amount, the total raised by the Residence Charity Face-Off for the IWK Foundation over the past five years has now surpassed $100,000. This money has been used to purchase medical equipment, fund critical research and provide support to families during trying times.
“Without the help and support from events like the Residence Charity Face-Off, we wouldn’t be able to fund critical services which are so vital in providing specialized care,” stated a visibly pleased Joanna Hamilton, manager of annual giving with the IWK Health Centre Foundation.
Intense, crowd-pleasing hockey
That legacy of giving is matched by a legacy of great hockey. Last year's event may have been one of the greatest: a Trojan victory in a dramatic 4-3 overtime contest before a capacity crowd. One attendee even proclaimed it to be the loudest event he had ever been part of at Dalhousie.
“The residence hockey game was definitely the most memorable event of my first year at Dalhousie," recalls former Howe Hall resident John Connors. "The atmosphere in the rink was insane."
This year's was no different: the passion with which Dalhousie students trained, fundraised, coached, and cheered made for a remarkable event, all while imparting valuable life lessons on the importance of giving back to the community and coming together to accomplish a goal.
“To raise $31,500 for the IWK is the most amazing feeling,” said Trojan coach Joe Garnett, who has been involved for the past five years, three of which as a player.
“It is absolutely awesome to hit the $100,000 mark,” added Trojan captain Phil Moreau.
The Trojans celebrate with the Munro Cup. (Kirk Thompson photo)