Sturgeon Sting teams score big for the Morinville Food Bank

By Shelley Winger
It was more than just a season opener for the Sturgeon Sting AA hockey
division — it was a day that brought players, families, and the wider
community together for something bigger than the game.
All four Sting teams — U11AA, U13AA, U15AA, and U18AA — took to the ice
for back-to-back home openers at the new Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers Sports
Centre in Legal. With all teams gathered in one place, organizers saw a
chance to do more than celebrate hockey. They decided to make the day
about giving back.
According to U11AA team manager Caroline Borduzak, the idea came up
early in the planning stages when the Sturgeon Hockey Club’s president and
team managers began talking about ways to make “Sting Day” special. They
agreed that a food drive for the Morinville Food Bank would be a meaningful
way to support local families while bringing the hockey community together.
What followed was an impressive show of generosity. Players and their
families filled three adult-sized goalie bags and three large blue tubs with food
items, along with an entire hockey net packed full of paper towel, toilet paper,
and toiletries. Even visiting teams contributed, proving that the spirit of
teamwork extends beyond the final score. Donuts were shared among players
to celebrate both the start of the season and the success of the collection
effort.
In total, 73 players and their families took part in the drive, helping to stock the
shelves of the Morinville Food Bank with items that were in high demand. “The
day was a great success,” Borduzak said. “Both visiting and home teams
participated, and it really showed what can happen when everyone comes
together for a common cause.”
Sturgeon Hockey Club president Gene Connors said he was moved by the
level of participation and the sense of community that filled the rink. He said
he couldn’t be more proud of the players, coaches, and families who stepped up

to help others, noting that their efforts will directly support people in need
across the region.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our players, coaches, and families for the effort they
put into our food bank drive on Sting Day,” Connors said. “Together with our
visiting teams, we filled bins upon bins with donations that will directly help
families in need right here in our region. This is the kind of leadership and
compassion that defines the Sturgeon Sting and the Sturgeon Hockey Club.”

The new arena in Legal provided the perfect backdrop for the event, bringing
together players and families from across the region under one roof. The
energy in the building was high, and the sense of togetherness was
unmistakable. For many parents and young players, it was a reminder that
hockey can build community in ways that reach far beyond wins and losses.
The event also highlighted the strong connection between local sports and
community service. As shelves at the Morinville Food Bank filled and players
laced up for their games, it was clear that everyone shared a common goal —
to make a positive impact close to home.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Morinville Food Bank, which
shared a list of items most needed by local families. By the end of the day,
those needs had been met with enthusiasm and generosity — a sign that the
lessons learned through hockey can reach far beyond the rink.
For the Sturgeon Sting, “Sting Day” wasn’t just about kicking off another
hockey season. It was about showing that, when the community rallies
together, everyone wins.