The Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta Winterland Invitational is set to welcome 48 minor hockey teams from February 14 to 16 at four venues in the Lakeland area.
Since it began in 2018, the tournament has raised over $1 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta.
“The Ronald McDonald House Winterland Invitational is not just a hockey tournament – it’s a powerful community event that brings people together for a cause that truly matters,” said Oreen Skiba with RMHC Alberta. “For the U9, U11, U13 minor hockey teams, this is an opportunity to compete, make memories, and support something much larger than the game itself. We see these kids try their hardest on the ice and off the ice.”
The tournament is set to take at four venues in the lakeland over the Family Day long weekend. The four venues are the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre, the Cold Lake Energy Centre, the Glendon Arena, and the AG Ross Arena in Elk Point. More than 750 young athletes and their families will attend, giving a boost to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses while enjoying the areas facilities.
The 2025 Winterland Invitational aims to raise over $180,000 for RMHC Alberta, helping families with sick children who need medical care far from home. The event’s timing on Family Day aligns closely with RMHC’s mission of keeping families together during difficult times.
One of those families is Marcy Farrer’s, who now volunteers for the event. “At 24 years old I was a full-time mother of two daughters. I had a 14 month-old, and a newborn in the Stollery Hospital. My husband worked shift work to maintain our expenses in Bonnyville while traveling back and forth for months as I relocated to the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton. We are blessed to have the opportunity as a family to give back to this amazing organization. In addition to reaching the goal of $1 million dollars donated, we wish to give our most heartfelt thank you for being a lifeline in 2006 when we faced an unbelievable obstacle. Our family moto remains ‘If one’s fighting, we’re all fighting,'” shared Farrer.
Skiba also praised the volunteers who make the even possible. “From the hockey players to the families being supported, none of this happens without the support of an extraordinary group of volunteers. The volunteers for this tournament work all year to bring this event to the community and our gratitude for them knows no bounds.”
Fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on the teams. Those who want to support the cause can also buy 50/50 tickets online at www.rmhcalberta.org or through Rafflebox.
