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By Ian Gustafson

Accepting donations

Sylvan Lake hockey community rallies around family after tragedy

Jan 7, 2026 | 12:18 PM

Sylvan Lake Minor Hockey is mourning the loss of a hockey parent following a tragic incident.

President Dallas Hand said the incident occurred on Saturday and that it has affected many people within the community.

“It hits home that this is what we all do in the winter, we drive to hockey, and I think the biggest thing is this could have been any one of us,” he said. “It’s hard to put into words.”

In support of the family during this difficult time, an account has been set up to accept donations.

Those hoping to help can send an e-transfer to sylvanfamilyfundraiser@yahoo.com or visit the Servus Credit Union in Sylvan Lake and donate to the “Lakers Family Fundraiser.”

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The account was set up by Heather MacKenzie at Servus Credit Union, and all funds raised will go directly to supporting the family.

As of Tuesday, they’ve raised just over $3,000 so far, and the account will remain open for 90 days.

“Anytime our families go through any type of hardship, we try to do everything we can to support them,” Hand added. “The important thing for us is allowing this family the opportunity to heal themselves while one family member recovers in hospital in Edmonton. There are so many expenses that go along with that… we as a community and an association want to lessen that financial burden so they can focus on being together as a family and heal.”

Hand explained they were able to use some of the existing mental health resources they have within the association to hold a support session on Tuesday for the team directly involved in the tragedy.

He said it was a great opportunity for the parents and the children to work through their feelings and find a way forward.

Sylvan Lake Minor Hockey also plans to offer some additional external support for the entire association and the community.

“We are trying to do everything we can to make sure everyone is okay,” he said.

“When something like this happens, everyone jumps the gun right away and is there for support. That’s awesome and super appreciated, but after a few weeks have gone by, this family is still going to be dealing with a lot. The more we can keep this top of mind, will hopefully extend this fundraiser, and I think that will go a long way in getting this family back on their feet.”

On Jan. 3, 2026, Innisfail RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 781 near Township Road 364.

Alberta RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Troy Savinkoff says when police arrived on scene, they found the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta, a 41-year-old female resident of Sylvan Lake, deceased.

A 13-year-old male passenger was injured in the collision but is expected to recover.

Savinkoff explained that the vehicle collided head-on with a Dodge Ram 2500, and the occupants of the truck suffered minor injuries.

Savinkoff said the investigation is still ongoing, but initial reports indicate the driver of the Dodge lost control because of slippery conditions and drove into oncoming traffic.