Chris Sutter was at the Tommy Gun's Winter Classic this past weekend to help celebrate HEROS Hockey (Photo: @heroshockey on Twitter)

By Dan Hermanutz and Kael Clark

Bringing the game to everyone

HEROS Hockey hits the outdoor ice in Red Deer

Jan 29, 2020 | 10:59 AM

When it is said that hockey is for everyone, it should truly mean everyone – no matter your background, the situation you are currently in, the colour of your skin or gender.

Rob Kerr, Assistant Business Manager of the Calgary Hitmen and a former broadcaster, started the HEROS Hockey Foundation to give disadvantaged youth the chance to play hockey for the first time when they otherwise wouldn’t be able.

“A couple of years ago, we came up with an idea. There was no hockey in western Canada for players with cognitive disorders, players with Downs Syndrome and autism,” Kerr recalled.

“We came down and went to Sylvan Lake where we sat down with Brian Sutter. We said ‘Brian, this is what we think, what do you think, is this something the Sutter Fund might help out?’ And as Brian Sutter can, and does, he just reached over and shook our hands and helped us out.”

Not long after, the (Calgary) Flames Foundation got on board and HEROS was off and running with teams in Calgary, Edmonton and Regina.

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HEROS (Hockey Education Reaching out Society) is in their twentieth year of the program and since 2000 has helped out nearly 11,000 kids across the country.

The program has numerous ambassadors, including Calgary native and former Red Deer Rebels defenceman Matt Dumba.

With help from Al Sim, organizer for the annual Tommy Guys Winter Classic, HEROS hit the ice in Red Deer for a special game this past weekend.

“We were very fortunate. For the first time ever we had two of our Calgary and Edmonton Superheroes teams skate together on the outdoor ice,” Kerr said.

“This all happens because of Al Sim, this all happens because of Red Deer Minor Hockey, this all happens because of the Sutter Fund. Brent was there, Darryl was there, and Chris Sutter is our honorary captain. He was there he talked to the kids, Brian made an appearance. We just had a great time.”

Another special hockey event takes place this Saturday when the Red Deer Rebels visit the Calgary Hitmen (1:30 p.m. game time at the Scotiabank Saddledome).

The Hitmen will be hosting their “Every Child Matters” game dedicated to Indigenous youth empowerment through sport. Both the Hitmen and Rebels will be wearing commemorative helmet decals honouring the event.