The Hockey Marathon for the Kids is welcoming the first female hockey player.
From March 31 until April 11, 40 players will challenge the Guinness World Record for the longest hockey game in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Rae-Anne Baird of Calgary has joined Team Hope and will play 261 consecutive hours of hockey against Team Cure, in support of pediatric cancer research.
Baird has been playing hockey since she was three and is excited about the opportunity to patriciate in the marathon.
“It’s a really unique opportunity for me to contribute to a great cause and I love hockey, so this was a natural fit,” Baird said in a Hockey Marathon for the Kids media release.
She is playing for seven-year-old Rosalie, who recently underwent a 2 ½ year-long treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Baird will be playing with Rosalie’s name on her jersey as a reminder of why she is playing, the release said.
“I know this is going to be a gruelling event, but it’s nothing compared to what Rosalie went through. That’s why I’m playing for her and all the kids like Rosalie,” Baird said.
“We are beyond excited that Rae-Anne accepted our invitation to play,” lead event organizer Alex Halat said. “She has so much grit and determination, she’s going to be an asset on the ice. I’m just glad she’s on my team so I don’t have to play against her.”
The funds raised through the marathon will support vital pediatric cancer research focused on Immunotherapy, with the goal of developing safe, effective, and kinder therapies for children.
This is the third time Chestermere is hosting the world’s longest hockey game.
In 2012 and 2014, the hockey marathon attempted the Guinness World Record for the longest hockey game and collectively raised funds that were donated to charity.
The community can support Team Hope and Team Cure by donating.
For event information, visit http://www.hockeymarathon.com
