The world's longest hockey game is back and ready for more record-breaking play time this March 31 in Chestermere. 

The world's longest hockey game is back for a third record-breaking fundraising event. Alex Halat, the event's organizer was able to touch on just how special this event is. 

“It’s a pretty unique event, probably one of the most unique fundraisers out there. It's 261 consecutive hours of hockey in support of the Alberta Children's Hospital for pediatric Cancer and Pediatric Cancer Research,” he explained.  

The event is a huge deal not just for its ability to break the record every time but also because of how much it's been able to raise. 

“We played it once in 2012, then played in 2014, and collectively between the two games we raised about $4 million. With this being our third game, obviously, we have the impact of social media now to help us get the word out, we're hoping to raise anywhere from $2 to $4 million alone.” 

With both the other events and more than 500 hours under his belt Halat knows exactly what he’s getting into and why it's so important to sacrifice so much just for this event. 

“I wear a size 9 skate. By day three, we then put pleas on social media for people to bring their skates. Then I'm wearing size 11 because your feet will grow two sizes within a couple of days just from swelling and wear and tear on your body but really, in perspective, what you're going to go through for 10 days is nothing compared to what, our ambassador child, who is a four-year-old who's been battling leukemia for two years, so it's the least we could do in terms of trying to help save the life of the child.” 

This year is going to be bigger and better than ever not just because they plan on breaking the hour record. This year, the game will host a very exciting new player. 

“Unfortunately, had a player that that that got diagnosed with an illness and had to pull out of the game. We thought it's going to be pretty tough to find someone to fill a spot but then we actually got our first female player to play in the game who just signed up literally with two weeks' notice!” Halat exclaimed.  

“So, I'm pretty pumped. We encourage folks to come out and support her and get her through this game. I think the game is one thing for her, but hanging out with 39 meatheads is going to be her biggest battle,” he chuckled. 

The world's longest hockey game starts this March 31 but the players are not the only ones who are giving it their all.  Visitors through donations, support, volunteers, and just being there will fuel the players and keep the dream going. 

To donate or volunteer visit Hockey Marathon For The Kids March 31st, 2022