Sport Chek is excited to announce the launch of 'Operation: Hockey Night in Afghanistan' this week, in which they plan to courier over a massive shipment of hockey equipment and NHL jerseys to Canadian troops serving overseas.
The goal is to show the troops some good old Canadian appreciation and support by sprucing up their hockey gear.
More than 600 soldiers are currently playing in a 40-team ball hockey league on makeshift rinks at both the Kandahar airfield and Camp Souter in Kabul. The new NHL jerseys, sticks, gloves, nets and goalie equipment will surely be a welcome addition to their standard issue army fatigues.
And facing off for the Kandahar Cup -- a smaller version of the Stanley Cup -- will no doubt be plenty more fun when wearing the six Canadian teams' proper home and away colours.
And, surprise, surprise, that humble guy behind the mask from Hockey Night in Canada is right on board.
After expressing his dream to one day host Hockey Night in Afghanistan, Alberta-born Kelly Hrudey showed his support for Sport Chek's initiative and for the troops yesterday by calling on Calgarians to open their hearts and their Saddledome seats to the soldiers who will be shipping out in the New Year to serve our country overseas.
"We saw what Edmonton fans were able to do last weekend in offering up thousands of game tickets to troops from CFB Edmonton," said Kelly.
"Now we need to see if Flames fans can do the same for the 145 soldiers from Calgary being deployed to Afghanistan in the coming weeks."
Shawna Taylor of the Calgary Military Resource Centre couldn't agree more.
"We have been bombarded with community members who want to help out our soldiers, but are unsure in what capacity.
"We are hoping that we may be able to get tickets and/or boxes donated to the soldiers before their deployment.
"An evening off from training to enjoy a national pastime is a contribution that impacts their lives more than one probably realizes."
Source: Calgary Sun, 11/27/07
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