In the spirit of giving back for Christmas two female Hockey teams from Airdrie recently donated over 200 turkeys to the local food bank.

The Atom Girls Lightning teamed up with the Female Midget AA Elite Lightning to collect at least 150 turkeys for the food bank. The teams well exceeded that mark, bringing in 236.

Head Coach of the Midget Lightning Ray Hoppins said his team also collected other necessary items.

"We also collected hoodies and jackets and we had about 150 of those which were recently donated so it's another donation back to the community."

Those coats will be given to those who need it most in Airdrie, Cochrane and Olds.

Hoppins said this opportunity was more than just making a donation to the food bank.

"It's about leadership in playing leadership roles, it's about giving back to the community that raised us and it's also about putting yourself in the shoes of others and thinking of others for a cause maybe bigger than you as an individual. We love the lessons that are associated with it."

One of the members of the Atom Girls team, Charlie, was excited to be with the Midget Lightning in donating the turkeys and said the team overall treasured the experience.

"I think it was mostly because some of the girls didn't get a chance last year. Also they were excited to meet the Midget AA team."

This annual tradition culminates in a fun game on Friday night (December 22nd) known as the Turkey Bowl.

"We're pretty much combining our two teams together and doing a little scrimmage," said Charlie.

The fun scrimmage takes place on the Murray Buchanan Ice at the Ron Ebbesen Arena, Friday night at 6:00.

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com