REGINA, Sask. — Twenty teams turned Scarth Street into a hockey rink Thursday, but the biggest win came off the pavement as the Colliers Cup delivered a record $80,000 to help Regina youth.
The annual charity street hockey festival filled the 19th Block of Scarth Street with 3-on-3 hockey, live music, food vendors and a beer garden, drawing players and spectators into the heart of downtown.
Organized by Colliers Saskatchewan, the fourth street hockey tournament brought 20 teams together across four temporary rinks for an afternoon of competition and fundraising.
This year's Charity of Choice was the Street Culture Project, a non-profit charitable organization that provides safe housing, mentorship and job training to support vulnerable and at-risk youth in Regina.
CEO Jeff Dudar says they plan to put the money toward much-needed improvements at the shelter.
“We operate a 15-bed youth shelter in Regina. It's in need of some love and we would direct the donations in that direction,” Dudar said.
The $80,000 donation is the largest amount raised through the event so far, according to Colliers managing director Ryan Babey.
“We're very proud that every year we've been able to raise more than the year prior,” Babey said.
The Colliers Cup has now helped push the organization's total charitable fundraising beyond $570,000 over the years.
Babey says choosing a local charity is built into the event, with Colliers employees nominating organizations before voting on where the money should go.
The tournament also delivered a boost to the surrounding downtown businesses, with crowds moving between the rinks and nearby patios throughout the afternoon.
Babey says that was an important part of bringing the tournament back to Scarth Street.
“It's just nice to see a vibrant, active downtown,” he said. “We're doing a small part to help downtown remain a fun place to be.”
On the pavement, Regina Firefighters Hydrants and Hearts claimed the championship, becoming the tournament's first repeat winner.
Babey says the competition has evolved alongside the event, with returning teams improving their rosters and showing up in increasingly elaborate uniforms.
“What started out as just T-shirts has turned into very organized team outfits,” he said.
For Dudar, the tournament offered more than a chance to compete. It gave the Street Culture Project a chance to bring attention to the young people it serves and the space that supports them.
“We're super happy to be here, participating where we can and watching some good hockey,” Dudar said.
