The Wheatland Recreational Hockey Group raised $560 for the Wheatland Hospice Society. 

Founded around six years ago, the co-ed group has always prided itself on its inclusivity, welcoming players of all skill levels.

According to Joe Elliott, the group's administrator, the initial aim was to provide an opportunity for individuals who may not have had the chance to participate in organized hockey before.

"The way the team started was by giving players that have never played minor hockey before or who have never been able to play a championship to be still able to play on a team and do something exciting," said Elliott.

Elliott says the team has grown over the last few years and has got to the point where they want to do something charitable. 

"We got the Ag Society to donate the ice. We had the concession at the arena, donated a bunch of time and food for the group, and then we took the fees for the nights and we pulled them all together. Then we said okay, we are going to play for charity."

Divided into two teams, the blue and white, the players each chose a local charity to support.

The blue team selected the Hospice Society, while the white team opted to support local area food banks.

After an exhilarating game, the Hospice Society emerged as the beneficiary of the money raised. 

Elliott says it feels great to give back to the community that they work, live and play in.

"When I told the captains to pick a charity, we decided that we didn't want it to be some big multinational charity. It was important to the group."

Elliott credits founder Sean Nelson with being the driving force behind getting the team started all those years ago.

"He (Nelson) had to step away a couple of years ago just due to work and family commitments but we have come a long way, thanks to him."

The Wheatland Rec Hockey Group plays every Sunday in Standard during hockey season which runs typically from October to March and new players are always welcome. 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@strathmorenow.com.