2021/22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers hockey team donates $90k to Cenovus Energy Hub
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 8, 2024
Lloydminster, AB/SK – The 2021/22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers, winners of the 2022 Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, in collaboration with Inclusion Lloydminster, donated $90,000 toward the Cenovus Energy Hub’s accessibility features, further promoting inclusivity in sport.
As the first female hockey team to win the Good Deeds Cup, the team began its venture after discovering that a parent on the team who uses a wheelchair could not access the timekeeping area at a local arena. The team then took the initiative to investigate the accessibility features of nearby ice rinks and provided feedback to the City of Lloydminster.
The Blazers helped fuel the discussions regarding accessibility for coaches, players, volunteers and spectators. During the planning phase, the City incorporated inclusivity, diversity and accessibility for all as key values and pillars of the project.
With the team’s feedback in mind, the City consulted with community partners and an accessibility consultant to create an inclusive facility design. After further discussions, the following decisions to promote accessibility and inclusivity will be integrated into the facility.
- Barrier-free spectator seating on the suite, concourse and ice levels of the performance arena and the concourse level of the Co-op Community Arena. Additionally, an accessible, warm viewing area will be created for the community arena in the lobby, and the scoring box in each arena will accommodate at least one wheelchair.
- Telescopic railings to be installed on the concourse level of both arenas. The railings have been designed to accommodate standing and wheelchair viewing and can be switched between either preference.
- All shower stalls have been designed with floor-to-ceiling partition separation between stalls and a barrier-free shower stall in each dressing room. Each shower stall will have a private dry change space with a bench and a private wet shower space.
Throughout the Blazers’ endeavour to become the first female hockey team to win the Good Deeds Cup, the team partnered with the para hockey club Cut Knife Sledgehammers to host a Give Sledge a Try para hockey event to bring athletes of all abilities together on the ice. Following discussions with the para hockey team and representatives from the Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association, additional accessibility features were discussed and are to be added to Cenovus Energy Hub, helping make it the first barrier-free bi-provincial para-ice hockey arena.
- The penalty boxes will accommodate two sledges each.
- The players’ boxes will incorporate different flooring, extra space to accommodate sledges, and specialized rink boards for para-hockey players to access the ice.
Acknowledging the Blazers’ forward-thinking, championing inclusion initiatives, and driving change within the recreation and parks sector, the team received the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Inclusion Award, a first-of-its-kind award inspired by the U13 female hockey team following their initiatives to bring accessibility and inclusivity to the forefront.
Throughout the design phase of Cenovus Energy Hub, the City met with several other partners and conducted public surveys. Through these engagement exercises, many participants emphasized the need for washrooms and dressing rooms to be inclusive and comfortable for people of all needs. Additionally, the Youth Council and other local partners strongly supported an inclusive facility that will serve the whole community in the future.
The remaining $10,000 from the $100,000 Good Deeds Cup cash prize was donated to Inclusion Lloydminster’s Recreation Program for their collaboration in the grant process.
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“Through their admirable initiative, the Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers of the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association have personified what inclusivity truly means. Moved by firsthand experiences with inaccessibility at arenas, players took it upon themselves to explore designs for accessible rinks. Their advocacy and leadership are now further championed by a generous $90,000 donation to Cenovus Energy Hub, ensuring the facility is welcoming to everyone.”
Mayor Gerald Aalbers, City of Lloydminster
“When the Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers approached Inclusion Lloydminster with an identified need for our community and facilities to be accessible and inclusive, we were so happy to collaborate with them. Through their efforts, an awareness for accessibility and inclusion was created that has positively impacted our community. These young women are leaders and change-makers who have and will deeply impact our community for many years.”
Stacey Andrews, Senior Advocate, Inclusion Lloydminster
“I did it for Maddi and her family, but I like that it ended up being for everyone. I learned the most when we tried getting around the arena with the wheelchairs and walkers. I didn’t know how hard it was for people before experiencing it myself.”
Lily Rousson, Defence, 2021-22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers
“I strongly believe and support the changes that my team and I advocated for through the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup! This has become even closer to my heart as recently, a cousin of mine was diagnosed with a brain tumour. After two major brain surgeries, he is in recovery and in a wheelchair. I have got to see just how difficult it is for Aydan to do some things and how hard it can be to move around in some facilities in a wheelchair. Aydan is a huge sports guy and plays hockey and baseball! I am so glad our new rink will have many things that help make it accessible to him and many others of all abilities. I strongly believe these additions should be everywhere. Our family has been fortunate not to need these features in facilities, but, as with Aydan, the need can happen anytime. I am glad Aydan can come and continue to enjoy the sports he loves in our new facility.”
Lerisa Mack, Forward, 2021-22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers
“It was a wonderful experience, and I’m excited to see what opportunities the new arena will have for people with all abilities.”
Maya Jessome, Goalie, 2021-22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers
“Everyone deserves a fair chance and the ability to participate in what they love!”
Micayla Livingston, Forward, 2021-22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers
“Everyone should be able to play the sport they love. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean sport should be taken away from you. It’s been a long three years, and I’m really excited to see how the rink is close to being ready and finished.”
Rose Tindall, Forward, 2021-22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers
“I can’t express enough how proud I am of these girls and how special it was for me to be able to help facilitate this opportunity for them. Even after all of this time, they’re still learning from and sharing about this experience – they’re all looking forward to seeing how their winnings have been put to use, ensuring the Cenovus Energy Hub will be inclusive and accessible for all.”
Stacey Rousson, Parent, 2021-22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers
Quick Facts
- The 2021-22 Lloydminster U13 Female Blazers hockey team was the first female hockey team to win the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup.
- The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup is open to under-11, under-13 and under-15 teams registered with Hockey Canada.
Awards
- 2022 Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup Champion
- 2021-22 Hockey Alberta Team of the Year Award
- 2022 Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Inclusion Award
About Cenovus Energy Hub
More than a hockey arena, more than a concert venue — Cenovus Energy Hub is an entertainment facility, the largest of its kind in the region. This inclusive and accessible space will unite people from Lloydminster and beyond to create community through extraordinary experiences, celebration and fun. The fit-for-purpose facility has been designed with great care, and includes:
- a primary arena with seating for 2,500, expandable up to 4,500 for concerts and events with floor seating.
- a second, NHL-sized indoor ice surface with seating for up to 500.
- a third outdoor ice surface adjacent to the building, which functions as a basketball court in the summer.
Follow Cenovus Energy Hub on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Get Involved
Community members and businesses are invited to support Cenovus Energy Hub Fill the Seats campaign through fundraising and sponsorship opportunities. By participating in these initiatives, the community can play a vital role in creating memorable experiences for those who live here. To explore various ways of getting involved, visit CenovusEnergyHub.ca or email cenovusenergyhub@lloydminster.ca.
About Inclusion Lloydminster
Inclusion Lloydminster is a family-based non-profit association that advocates on behalf of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Together, we share a dream of meaningful family life and community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. As an advocacy organization, we support families and individuals in their desire to be fully included in community life. For more information, visit inclusionlloydminster.com.
About the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup
The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup empowers Canadian youth hockey teams to drive change in their communities for the chance to win the grand prize of $100,000 towards a registered charity of their choice. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity or shovelling snow, teams are encouraged to “fill their cup” with as many Good Deeds as possible to get their shot at becoming the Chevrolet Good Deeds Champion. For more information, visit ChevroletGoodDeedsCup.ca.
Image supplied by the City of Lloydminster
