The Lethbridge Lightning senior men's hockey team hosts the Badges vs. Bolts charity game on Saturday, February 11, 2023. (Photo: Janise Michel of Lethbridge Sports)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Lightning set to host second annual Badges vs. Bolts charity game

Feb 10, 2023 | 11:08 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It’s a special night on Saturday for the Lethbridge Lightning.

The Ranchland Hockey League (RHL) team hosts the second annual Badges vs. Bolts game on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The match-up will see players compete against local first responders. Proceeds from the sale of tickets, as well as a live auction during the first intermission, will go towards supporting the Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge.

Team captain Cole Matson said, “It gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation to all our first responders – the men and women that keep our community safe and look after everybody, as well as raise money for the Jack Ady Cancer [Centre], so it’s kind of a double-edged sword.”

Matson noted that 20% of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the cancer centre. Funds raised will also help the men’s senior hockey team in its bid to compete at the 2023 provincial finals in Wainwright in April.

Matson said the Lightning have connection to emergency responders. He explained that general manager Rob Zintel is an RCMP member, and the team has had players that have gone on to become members of the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and RCMP.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 30 - January 5, 2025

Dec 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 16-22, 2024

Dec 17, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 9-15, 2024

Dec 10, 2024

Matson commented, “We’re always looking for ways to give back [and] raise community awareness. We’ve had awesome support from the community over the years; you want to be able to give that back in some way.”

“It took a little bit to formulate but now that it’s established, we’re hoping to make it an annual thing and obviously, looking to build off last year’s success.”

The first annual Badges vs. Bolts game in 2022 raised over $1,200 for the Jack Ady Cancer Centre.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Lightning charity game raises $1,242 for Jack Ady Cancer Centre

Matson added, “Everybody has somebody close by or knows somebody that cancer has affected so it gives us a great opportunity to give back. I think everybody’s really looking forward to it and it’s a fun opportunity for the players, so all around, just a great game to look forward to.”

The RHL is comprised of four teams based in southern Alberta. These teams include the Lethbridge Lightning, Fort Macleod Mustangs, Nanton Palominos, and the Siksika Buffaloes.

As of Friday, February 10, Siksika sits atop the league standings with 14 wins and one loss. Lethbridge is in second place with 11 wins and five losses.

The Badges vs. Bolts game is Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena in Lethbridge.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.