It’s a hockey tournament for a children’s charity, but organizer Darcy Pashak says not to expect a bunch of sweethearts on the ice at the 2025 Thermal Cup.
Six teams from the region’s oil and gas companies are vying for the Cup and accompanying bragging rights at the day-long tournament April 12. Proceeds go to KidSport Alberta chapters in Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Wood Buffalo, Lloydminster, St. Paul, and Vermilion.
KidSport Alberta helps cover sports registration costs so all kids aged 18 and under can participate.
The Thermal Cup games are at Cold Lake Energy Centre starting at 9:00 am, with event finals starting at 4:20 and the A Event final for the Thermal Cup starting at 7:00 pm.
Pashak said the teams play to win.
“It’s got a little bit of chippiness to it. They take it seriously,” he said.
This year will be third year for the annual fundraiser. Last year the total raised was $33,000, and this year’s goal is $60,000.
Canadian Natural, Imperial, Strathcona Resources, Cenovus, Suncor, and Connacher are the participating companies. The fundraising is an industry-wide collaboration, but the hockey is competitive. Pashak said the players are motivated to take the Cup back to their workplace.
“We’ve got the coolest trophy. Somebody designed it out of an old chunk of casing,” he said. “It represents the industry. Everybody wants it because it means a lot.”
Pashak said the winners love to show it off. “Strathcona won last year and they toured around a bunch of the facilities like they do with the Stanley Cup. So it was pretty cool,” he said.
Fundraising projects include the $20 per person admission, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw, and on-ice games (Shoot To Score, Chuck-A-Puck) for cash prizes. There is also merchandise available for sale.
For more information contact Darcy Pashak at (780) 812-9600.
