Charity Game Vs. Ice Hounds and Pirates a Huge Success

Rangers participate in fourth annual charity game

The Kitchener Rangers participated in the fourth annual charity game for Special Hockey International, in collaboration with the Cambridge Ice Hounds and Kitchener Ice Pirates, on Thursday evening.

The game took place at the Galt Arena in Cambridge, and involved over 45 children of all ages – both men and women – with special conditions that prevent them from participating in traditional hockey programs. 

“Anytime you can give back to the community it’s a great experience,” said Rangers’ assistant coach Paul Fixter. “It’s definitely a reality check in terms of how fortunate we are.” 

The ultimate goal of Special Hockey International is to provide an opportunity for all individuals to participate in the game we love. There are no tryouts, and everyone has a role.  

“The biggest benefit is the team building opportunity,” commented Ice Hounds coach Cam Linwood. “These kids wouldn’t normally get the chance to play in a team environment like this, and it’s unbelievable the friendships that are made.” 

The Ice Hounds and Ice Pirates play between 15 and 16 games per year throughout Southwestern Ontario, culminating in a Friendship Tournament with teams from Canada, the USA, and as far as England. 

“This is one of the highlight games of the year for our players,” said Linwood. “They really look up to [the Rangers], and love getting out there and just having a good time.” 

The Rangers are equally as excited to participate in the event each year.

“It’s good to see these guys and play hockey with them,” said Rangers’ goaltender Brandon Maxwell, a native of Cambridge himself. “It’s always fun.” 

The Ice Hounds and Pirates enjoyed emulating Rangers’ goal celebrations, and captain Gabriel Landeskog was a favourite amongst the players. One Ice Hound was eager to recall his shootout winner from two years ago, while another was sure to remind the Rangers’ coaching staff of his team’s dominant performance the last four years. 

“We haven’t beaten them yet,” confessed Maxwell. “I kind of let my team down and let a couple goals in – but they’ve got some skilled players on their team and it’s tough to stop those guys.” 

Michael Lake, unable to skate due to his condition, was named as the Team Manager for the Ice Hounds and looks forward to travelling to Boston for this year’s Friendship Tournament. 

“With tournaments like that everybody wins,” he said.