Saturday's Griffins Alumni Hockey Games feature fun, reconnection and fund-raising

MacEwan University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee drops the puck in a ceremonial face-off between Sydney Thomlison, left, and Curtis Ogrodiuk (Rebecca Chelmick photo).
MacEwan University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee drops the puck in a ceremonial face-off between Sydney Thomlison, left, and Curtis Ogrodiuk (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

More than 50 alumni and former players returned to campus Saturday for the second annual Alumni Griffins Hockey Games at the Downtown Community Arena. 

MacEwan University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee took part in the ceremonial puck drop alongside Curtis Ogrodiuk, (Visual Communications Design '06, Design Foundations '04) captain of the first ACAC men's championship team in 2003-04 and designer of the new Griffins logo, and Sydney Thomlison (Bachelor of Commerce '18) captain of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 women's championship teams.

The afternoon featured two fun, competitive alumni games (women's and men's) and an informal post-game gathering, which continued as many alumni stayed to watch the Griffins men's team take on the Saskatchewan Huskies. 

"It was remarkable to welcome so many alumni back to campus for this year's Alumni Griffins Hockey Games," said Michelle Stevenson, Director of Alumni. "Their enthusiasm to return, reconnect, and take the ice together demonstrates the lasting impact of their Griffins experience. 

"This event not only celebrates our shared history but also reinforces the vibrant community our alumni continue to shape." 

Alumni also helped directly support today's student athletes, with the event raising over $2,000 for the Adopt a Griffin program.

Delivered through a strong partnership between the Alumni Office and Athletics, the event continues to create a meaningful touchpoint for Griffins alumni and reinforces pride, connection, and ongoing involvement in the alumni community.

See below for a collection of photos from the afternoon, all by Rebecca Chelmick.