Margery E Yuill Cancer Center Manager Dan Thomas, South East Tigers U17 AAA player, cancer survivor, and honoree Tryp McFadzen, Calgary Northstars captain, Max Gunsten, and Cancer survivor/honoree Arlene Kirwan. Submitted Photo

By Jesse Gill

SPORTS

South East Tigers hockey teams raise over $16k for Cancer Centre in Medicine Hat

Nov 26, 2025 | 8:59 AM

The South East Tigers U17 AAA hockey team continued their tradition of hosting the annual Cancer Awareness Game on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

This year, the event was a combined effort with the South East Tigers U15 AAA team to increase awareness and support.

The combined effort succeeded by raising a new record amount from the charity game, bringing in over $16,400 for the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Games hosted only by the U17 AAA team raised $11,866.73 in 2024 and $5,743.35 in 2023.

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READ: SEAC Tigers hockey team raises almost $12K for Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre (Nov. 12, 2024)

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The funds will help local cancer patients through the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Provincial Patient Financial Assistance Program.

The program provides funds to local patients who may not have the means to travel, either within the city or elsewhere, and pays for other costs associated with getting treatment not offered locally.

Head Coach of the U17 team, Kevin Riehl, started the game about 10 years ago, when he was coaching the U18 AA program, and the tradition has continued since.

Saturday’s event at the Kinplex had the U15 AAA team hosting the LJAC Oil Kings from Leduc, followed by the U17 AAA team hosting the Calgary Northstars.

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South East Tigers U15 AAA goaltender Hunter Knoll gives a hug to his mother, Lauren Smith, a cancer survivor and honouree. Submitted Photo

A ceremonial puck drop and opening speeches acknowledged the players and family members of the players currently fighting cancer.

Funds were raised through 50/50 sales, caramel popcorn and cookie sales, a silent auction and jersey sales.

Both Medicine Hat hockey teams visited the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre in the days leading up to the games to learn more about the impact of their fundraising efforts.

The tour was led by the centre manager, Dan Thomas, again this year after it started for the first time last year.

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READ: Pair of Tigers hockey teams raising money for Medicine Hat cancer centre (Oct. 25, 2024)

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The teams attended the centre after hours to tour the facility and hear about what patients experience during treatment there.

Although both Medicine Hat teams lost their games, over 400 fans attended, with a positive financial impact for those in need of cancer treatment in the area.

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The South East Tigers U17 AAA team with their Cancer Awareness Game Jerseys. Submitted Photo

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The South East Tigers U15 AAA team lined up for the opening ceremonies for their Cancer Awareness Game. Submitted Photo

The Medicine Hat Tigers also hosted their annual Tigers Fight Cancer night on Saturday.

Each player used a special purple-and-white-coloured stick for the event.

The sticks were auctioned off online, selling for $6,455 combined, with proceeds going towards the Medicine Hat Health Foundation for the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre.

Another team fundraising effort continues through November as the Tigers participate in the Movember campaign, growing moustaches to help raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.