Proud to be an Independent CANADIAN Publication
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Your Independent Local Newspaper Established in 1918 VOLUME 103: ISSUE 25
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021
NASA AMBASSADOR TO MAKE TOFIELD BASE FOR TOURS.
tofieldmerc.com
RYLEY FUNDRAISES FOR NEW SCHOOL PLAYGROUND.
SEE PAGE 2
SEE PAGE 7
What’s Inside
World’s longest hockey game raises more than $1.8 million MOUSH JOHN Editor Just west of Tofield at Saiker’s Acres, the world’s longest hockey game had it’s last day on Monday, Feb. 15; hosted for 11 days straight from Feb. 4, it brought together people for a cause – to cure cancer. Founder Brent Saik started this event in 2003, and it continues to this day in the memory of his father, Terry Saik, who he lost to cancer. “Our conditions were fine, this was a piece of cake. Our prayers are for the people fighting cancer, whose conditions are a lot worse than this. That is why we do this,” he said. This year the event was hosted very differently, according to organizer Kate Gallagher of KMG Events. “No on-site spectators were allowed, so all the cheering was done from the sidelines in their vehi-
cles; we had ‘fake’ spectators in the stands so the players felt there was always someone cheering; and families were not able to visit the players as they lived strictly in the bubble, going from their trailer to the ice every day,” she explained. “With these protocols in place it was amazing to see a creative increase in engagement from spectators and families with them bringing encouraging signs that I’d hang along the fence for players to see. “I would also bring the microphone to spectators so they could talk to the players and share their incredible stories.” The event has so far raised $1.84 million and counting between sponsorships, donations, silent auction, which is still running until Friday, merchandise sales, and a $200,000 matching donor donation. Goalie Andrew Buchanan said, “This has
been an emotional rollercoaster. These players are absolute warriors, but it’s nothing compared to what the cancer patients are going through.” For Gallagher this was “a very special event to get back in action with” after having had to cancel or postpone almost 30 events in 2020 due to COVID-19. “I had assisted with organizing the World’s Longest Baseball Game back in 2019 and that was only a seven-day long event so this was epic!” she added. “Having lived on-site outside of the bubble for the entire time, it was definitely an adventure that I became quickly accustomed to and started to develop a routine – checking the diesel levels of the heaters for the volunteer tents, to keeping the 11day bonfire going to greeting the players (from across the fence) every morning and every Continued on Page 3
Tofield Mercury’s Special Tribute to our Frontline Workers PAGES 3 & 14-16
Tofield RCMP attends to a residential break and enter PAGE 4
Loose Ends: Pastabilities PAGE 5
Some frames from the World’s Longest Hockey Game hosted from Feb. 4-15 at Saiker’s Acres. SUBMITTED PHOTOS/MANDY KOSTIUK
Editorial: Missing movie theatres and art PAGE 6
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