The Penhold Fire Department Charity Hockey Game returned to the Penhold Multiplex on Saturday, January 28 for the first time since 2020. The game between members of the Penhold Volunteer Fire Department (PFD) and Bowden Penitentiary Corrections Officers is a fundraiser for the Food Bank and was started in 2016.

This year, the Penhold Firefighters Association decided to rename the event and it will now beknown as the Jim Pendergast Charity Hockey Game. Penhold Fire Chief Jim Pendergast passed away in 2021 and he had coached the PFD team for the Charity Hockey Game in the past.

“For anyone who knew Jim it was no secret he loved hockey. He was very supportive of our previous games and was always there to coach and cheer us on,” said Firefighter Nicole Thomsen. “When the opportunity arouse to bring back this event we decided to rename it in remembrance of him.”“

It was a really good feeling to get this charity event back up and running after a two year hiatus,” said Fire Chief Sean Pendergast. “We had a great turnout from the community to support our event and cheer us on. This year we raised almost1,000 lbs of food and $275 for the Red Deer Food Bank,” he continued. 

photo of food donations

Over 180 fans came to the Penhold Multiplex on Saturday January 28 where food bank donations were accepted as admission. In addition to the food bank donations, the 50/50 for the Penhold Firefighters Association was $1,030 with half going to the winner and half to the Penhold Firefighters Association.

The final score of the 2023 Jim Pendergast Charity Hockey Game was 8-5 in favour of the Bowden Corrections Officers. As he has done in the past, Penhold Mayor Mike Yargeau once again laced up his skates to play as a Centre for the PFD team and helping his team by scoring one of the PFD’s five goals. 

Each team selected a Playerof the Game for the opposing team, Corrections Officer Jesse Kowalchuk and Fire Lieutenant Bailey McKay we the winners of these awards

puck drop