In the small town of Crossfield, Alberta, the stark bite of winter air is evident as frost clings to the Peter Knight Memorial Arena.

Inside the rink, the excitement is palpable as a group of spirited U15 hockey players gathers in the dressing room, their purple uniforms shining brightly against the cold surroundings. Today, these 13- and 14-year-olds are not just gearing up for a practice; they're gearing up to change lives.

A Greater Purpose

“This is not just a game, it’s so much more,” Coach Audrey Campbell emphasizes, pointing towards a greater purpose that transcends the ice. For centreman Cooper Snyder, the day takes on a deeply personal significance as he proudly displays the name of his aunt, Kirsten Gardner, emblazoned on the back of his jersey.

A Tragic Reminder

Kirsten’s tragic story is a painful reminder of the stark reality surrounding domestic violence. In 2021, the young mother of twin boys, just two years old at the time, was murdered in her home by her on-again, off-again boyfriend. He has since pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. “This is something you see on the news; you never think it’ll happen to you,” reflects Shaina Snyder, Cooper’s mom and team manager.

Community Mobilization

Inspired by Kirsten’s story, the community is mobilizing to establish an emergency shelter named "Kirsten’s Place" in nearby Olds. Joe Carrignan, President of the Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society and a former RCMP officer, highlights the dire need in the region, where no emergency shelters currently exist between Calgary and Red Deer. “In just the past month, we could have filled the shelter twice,” Carrignan states, underlining the urgency of the situation.

A Father's Hope

Kirsten's father, Brian Gardner, hopes that by having a shelter available, lives could be saved in the future. "Had there been a shelter, things might have been different for Kirsten," he laments, sharing his family's shock at not knowing the extent of her struggles. He warns that victims often feel too ashamed to speak out, which is compounded by the stigma associated with domestic violence.

Fundraising Game

On Saturday, the U15 Renegades are set to play their first ever fundraising game for Kirsten's Place. This event isn't just about raising money; it’s also about fostering conversation and education surrounding domestic violence. "These young men are the potential start of healthy relationships. It’s crucial to talk about how to treat others and navigate conflict,” explains Shaina Snyder.

A Winning Impact

As they gear up for the game against Red Deer, the boys have already raised over $5,000. Coach Campbell reflects on their impact: “At the end of the day, I don’t think they’ll remember what the scoreboard said. What they’ve done for the shelter means they’ve already won.”

A Catalyst for Change

This initiative demonstrates the profound impact that community, education, and awareness can have in combatting domestic violence. With discussions being sparked that many might prefer to avoid, the U15 Renegades are proving to be catalysts for change in their community and beyond.

Will these young athletes succeed in changing the narrative?

Mark your calendars: Saturday at 7 p.m. in Crossfield – every ticket counts towards making a difference!