For 17 years, Cochrane High and Bow Valley have held a hockey game that resonates far beyond the walls of the Totem One arena.

The winning score has changed hands over the years and in the 2019 edition, it was the Cobras who dominated the Bobcats on the scoreboard. But as stated on the back page of the program, "Not every victory shows up on the scoreboard." 

This was one of those situations. The real winners were the students and staff, the community of Cochrane and the people who are aided by the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank.

This year's the game, held Feb. 13, raised $4,310 for the food bank. For the first time, the players collected pledges to earn a spot on the roster. That in combination with the nominal admission charge and proceeds from a 50-50 raffle push the proceeds to the highest level yet.

"We've been receiving this from them for a lot of years and it just keeps going up. It's really, really good," says Martha Gilbertson.

"They're amazing. This is huge," adds Karen Kingsmith, also of the Activettes.

Cochrane High mascot Cobie the Cobra toured the stands as did Rocky Racoon, the Rocky View Schools' mascot. Other school and town dignitaries were also present. The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre donated the ice time.

The game remains a true testimony to the two high schools' community spirit in what is at heart a fun-loving game for grade 12 players; some skilled, some not but all enjoying the chance to lace up. Even as the teams dueled on the ice, smiles, laughter and friendship clearly remained at its roots.

The teams posed for a group shot after the game was over.