The Edwardsville Tigers Hockey Club announced today it has partnered with the St. Louis Blues charitable trust, Blues for Kids, for the 2023-24 Hockey Fights Cancer Challenge. The challenge will see the Tigers face-off against several Midstates opponents in a series of exhibition games to raise money for the fight against cancer, beginning with the historical “Clash of the Cats” game against the Oakville Tigers on October 27, at 7 p.m.
All games will be played at RP Lumber Center in Edwardsville and all proceeds from the series will benefit Siteman Cancer Center and the Jimmy V Foundation. Following decision to play its top Varsity team in the Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association for the 2023-2024 season, the Tiger Hockey Club worked to augment its schedule with additional exhibition games. The collaboration with Midstates not only achieved that but presented an opportunity to get communities across the Region involved in fundraising for Hockey Fights Cancer.
“As we started to schedule the extra games, I thought that if we were going to be playing anyway, we might as well try to raise money for a good cause,” says Rob Wiemers, Assistant Coach for the Edwardsville Tigers. “I called the Blues and asked for their support, and they jumped right in.”
The full challenge schedule, listed below, features nine total games against Midstates opponents, capped by a date with the reigning Challenge Cup Champions, the De Smet Spartans, on January 26. As part of the partnership, Blues for Kids has donated funds to pay for the ice time, referee, and game expenses, and will help promote the event.
“Everyone has someone close to them who has been impacted by this terrible disease,” said Randy Girsch, Vice President, Community Development for the St. Louis Blues. “When Rob presented this opportunity, we were thrilled to partner with Edwardsville and Midstates to continue the work of raising funds and awareness for such an important cause.”
The Tigers anticipate raising more than $100,000 through admissions prices, donors, and special events at the games. Donors can choose to participate at five different levels, from $5,000-$500, with special game perks for the highest donor level.
“The response to this event has already been incredible,” says Wiemers. “Our entire club and the whole hockey community, from players to coaches to parents, are so excited to be involved. It will be a chance to not only watch some great hockey, but also raise a ton of money for an incredible cause.”
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Hockey Fights Cancer Game Schedule
Oct. 27: Edwardsville vs. Oakville - 7:00 p.m. (Clash of the Cats)
Nov. 10: Edwardsville vs. Parkway West - 8:15 p.m.
Dec. 2: Edwardsville vs. Marquette – 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 15: Edwardsville vs. CBC - 8:15 p.m.
Dec. 22: Edwardsville vs. SLUH - 8:15 p.m.
Dec. 29: Edwardsville vs. Lafayette - 8:15 p.m.
Jan. 5: Edwardsville vs. Lindbergh - 8:15 p.m.
Jan. 19: Edwardsville vs. Parkway South - 8:15 p.m.
Jan. 26: Edwardsville vs. De Smet - 8:15 p.m.
