Hockey, hot chocolate, and community were all present at this year's Outdoor Classic. 

This last Saturday, folks came out to experience the great weather and even better hockey being played in Riverdene Park in Swift Current. This was the second annual Outdoor Classic, hosted by the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation (DNIF). 

Helping to organize the day was Crystal Imrie, the communications and development coordinator for the DNIF. She was having a blast watching the kids skate around, who were enjoying having a cheering crowd to play for. 

"It's been a really great day," said Imrie. "We had, I think, just about all the Legionnaires come out. We had a couple of Wildcats out helping with the refereeing and coaching the U7 and U9s out on the ice."

Also out and about at the event was Charlie Horse, a fan favourite from the Swift Current Broncos. 

Sir Charlie of Horse. First of his name. Defender of Broncos. Leader of Men.Charlie Horse, mascot, teammate, fan of all things hockey.

The day saw the kids competing on half a sheet of ice, with two games going at once. They flew up and down the rink, skating to the crease for plenty of slick goals, fast passes, and more than a few stumbles and falls. 

"Even with the sunshine, the ice held up really well, so we're super happy about that," said Imrie. "Louie D's is here, slinging hot dogs and pizza, and it's just been a really great day."

After the kids were done skating, the No Hit Hockey League had teams take to the ice. For their games, a beer gardens was opened for the evening. The more adult setting capped off the event after the kids had all gone home.

"It was definitely a bigger event this year," said Imrie. "We definitely have a lot more sponsors and we sure appreciate all the support we're getting from everybody in Swift Current and area. From cash sponsorships to prizes for all the kids and for players of the game, to propane fire pits. The City helped us out a lot with the picnic tables, bleachers and all that kind of stuff. We're super appreciative of all that."

This year's sponsors included; Innovation Wealth, Alpine Dental, Little Something Boutique, Redhead Equipment, Mercator Financial, Whitecap Resources, Flyer Electric, Stark and Marsh, the City of Swift Current, ReMax Swift Current, Surround Sound Music, Monette Farms, Crutch's Plumbing and Heating, Baker Huges, Triways Disposal Services, The Speedy Creek Sign Shop, Piooner Co-op, Silverline Construction, Plewis Automotive Group, Core Rental Services, West Country Energy Services, Vision Care, MNP, Carlson Accounting, Len's Plumbing and Heating, The Sputtergotch Toy Company, and Pizza Pizza.