World's Longest Hockey Game and Cancer Research

in Sherwood Park

Goaltender Maria Niinimaa travelled from Stockholm, Sweden, to participate in the World's Longest Hockey Game at an acreage east of Edmonton on Feb. 6, 2026. (Credit: David Bloom)

In the heart of Sherwood Park, Alberta, the World's Longest Hockey Game is underway, uniting forty dedicated players in an 11-day marathon to raise funds for cancer research. This monumental event, running from February 5 to 16, 2026, aims to surpass previous records and generate over $1 million for the Cross Cancer Institute.

Among the participants is Maria Niinimaa, sister of former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Janne Niinimaa. Traveling from Stockholm, Sweden, Maria has taken on the role of goaltender for Team Hope. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "It's been 24 years since I was last in Edmonton. I used to visit Janne quite a bit when he was playing here." Her commitment is deeply personal, having battled breast cancer herself in recent years. "When I got asked to play in this game, there was no chance I was going to say no. We need so many more treatments to fight cancer," she emphasized.

The game is hosted at Saiker's Acres, located at 52269 Range Road 220 in Sherwood Park. Spectators are encouraged to attend, with the event being family-friendly and welcoming even to leashed dogs. A food truck is on-site, offering hot chocolate and other warm snacks to keep fans comfortable as they cheer on the players.

This year's fundraiser is particularly significant, as all proceeds are directed toward acquiring and installing cutting-edge CAR T-cell immunotherapy equipment at the Cross Cancer Institute. This advanced technology will enable the creation of personalized, cancer-fighting immune cells locally, making treatment faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Dr. Brent Saik, the event's founder, highlighted the urgency: "If we can pull this off, the lab will be up and running in Edmonton, and patients will be able to get access to that as often as they need."

The community's response has been overwhelmingly positive. As of Sunday, the teams have raised over $552,000, marking significant progress toward their ambitious goal. The event has also fostered a unique dynamic, with many previous participants now involving their children as players, creating a multi-generational commitment to the cause. "It's a pretty cool dynamic to see a lot of fathers now have their sons come out and play," noted Dr. Saik.

The World's Longest Hockey Game stands as a testament to the resilience and generosity of the Sherwood Park community. Through the unyielding efforts of players like Maria Niinimaa and the support of countless volunteers and fans, this event continues to make a profound impact in the fight against cancer.

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