Chestermere and Rocky View County female athletes are being recognized for their hockey careers with the first-ever Rocky Mountain Raiders alumni game on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.
“We want to recognize the players who have played at the highest level of midget,” said Rocky Mountain Raiders head coach Dustin Borbandy.
“These alumni players have paved the way for future generations,” Borbandy said.
Hockey lovers are encouraged to attend the Rocky Mountain Raiders alumni game at the Scott Seamans Arena, and support their local athletes.
Following the game, players will have an opportunity to reminisce and share their experiences with the younger athletes who are going through the program next, Borbandy said.
“Having an alumni game not only brings the athletes back to their roots, but it is also a way to bring the community to our game and show them that with their support this game can continue to grow for the female athletes in pursuit of their goals,” he added.
Teagan Borbandy, a former Rocky Mountain Raiders defenseman for three year said she is looking forward to catching up with old friends.
“I’m also looking forward to meeting the girls on the raiders this year,” Teagan said.
She added, “I’m hoping to rebuild connections with friends, as well offer advice to the younger girls.”
Although, Teagan is looking forward to meeting the younger athletes, she can’t help but feel nervous about the upcoming game.
“It is nerve racking when you haven’t seen people in years, but it’s more an excited nervous,” Teagan said.
She added, “Hockey is where I’ve made lifelong friends, and building an alumni group will be a great support system for all the future girls.”
Dustin added, as a coach he is excited to see the different age groups of athletes come back and enjoy the moments of playing together once again.
“Moving onto university and college has further demands and expectations and bringing the players back for an alumni game provides an opportunity to kick back, relax, and mingle,” he said.
“As a parent, I am really looking forward to seeing all the parents again. Over the years we’ve spent a lot of time together and have built great memories,” Dustin said.
For Dustin, having the Rocky Mountain Raiders alumni play a game together is important because of how far female hockey has come.
Throughout the years of Dustin chasing his daughters around hockey arenas, he always noticed every rink had a shrine of players coming from their grass roots of hockey.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Dustin added, “There were numerous rinks that recognized [female] players, but I always felt it wasn’t enough.
“I felt that I have the opportunity to put together a special moment for all these players, so they can take away some really wonderful memories.”
To become involved with the Rocky Mountain Raiders alumni game email Dustin Borbandy at dlborbs@eastlink.ca.
“Being that this is our first year, we are trying to get as many supporters out as possible that we can,” he said.
Donations will also be accepted to support and grow the Rocky Mountain Raiders alumni game in future years.
