Students and teachers of St. Augustine Catholic School battled it out in a hockey game for bragging rights and to raise funds for the Good Samaritan Fund.
Hosted Dec. 20 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex, the third annual Goodwill Cup raised $475 and the entire school came to support the players.
For students it was a chance to try to win against the undefeated teachers. Ryan Gartner, Grade 9, has competed before and he feels it is an excuse to have fun and do some positive work. “We all kid around and just try to have the most fun as we can.”
One student enjoys the excuse to roughhouse with teachers.
“We’re having fun making money going to a good cause,” stated Darien Lloyd, Grade 11. “The teachers have won every year so far, so I want us to win.”
Adam Bowie, athletic director for St. Augustine was glad to see students supporting the event. “It’s awesome to have everybody come and support.”
The Good Samaritan Fund gives money to kids who don’t have the ability to pay for sports.
“It gives them the chance to participate without worrying about money,” said Bowie.
It is also an opportunity to bring the school together before the Christmas break.
Teachers’ head coach Nicola Hoag feels it gives students a chance to see their teachers as real people and students look forward to the event. “It’s hard to know who has more fun, the kids on the ice or the kids in the stands.”
Some Ponoka RCMP members also came to compete with the teachers. Const. Ryan Koehli and Const. Adam Al-Kadri enjoyed being a part of the event in an informal capacity.
It was a close game but the teachers defeated their title as winners, defeating students 7-5. There were even a few pretend fights and penalties to excite the fans.