It takes plenty of bravery to hit the ice in front of thousands of hockey fans.
But the Red Deer Rebels are also focused on learning about courage.
Courage to speak up.
Courage to do the right thing.
Courage to use their platform for good.
The team has a longstanding partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, a not-for-profit organization designed to help children, youth and families experiencing abuse seek help and find resources during difficult times.
RCMP and Children & Family Services can refer people in need to CACAC, which can build a collaborative response encompassing everything from forensic interviews in a supportive environment to court preparation and accompaniment to trauma referral and mental health support.
Each October, the Rebels participate in the CACAC’s Go Blue Campaign as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, hosting CACAC volunteers at a game and attending the facility’s annual open house at the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence.
According to the CACAC, one in three Canadians have experienced a form of child abuse.
“One in three is a staggering statistic,” Rebels Vice-President, Marketing and Sales Dean Williams said. ” Not only do we want to change those numbers, but we want to show our young players the effects of child abuse firsthand.
We obviously want to develop good hockey players, but we also want our players to become great citizens in whatever communities they end up in after their playing days… Volunteering, helping shed light on an issue, spending your time to help where you are able. Even if you become a famous NHLer, or you end up being a doctor or a business owner in your hometown, giving back is tremendously rewarding and beneficial to those you help.”
On October 25, 2025, the CACAC was out in full force for Red Deer’s match against Regina, with an extra-special guest on hand for the ceremonial puck drop- CACAC’s accredited facility dog, Quinn, who is trained to support individuals in schools, courthouses, hospitals and care facilities.
The Western Hockey League strives to promote and foster a welcoming environment in communities close to our 23 clubs in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Every team has the creative freedom to allow their players and staff to work with the organizations and groups that they are most passionate about. The end goal is to create and maintain long-lasting relationships and ongoing partnerships within their community.
Through the McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective, we aim to highlight these outstanding initiatives done by each club throughout the season.
