It was the Battle of the Blades as the Edmonton Seehawks Blind Hockey team and the EPA Blues met for a rematch today in memory of Constable Patrick Hannas.
Hannas, who passed suddenly while volunteering on March 5, 2023, donated his time to a variety of groups, including the Seehawks.
EPA Director Constable Brennan Tousignant helped organize the second annual memorial game.
“Seeing the incredible number of his friends, family and supporters show up for the second year in a row is a testament to his dedication to the community and how much he was respected and loved by everyone who knew him,” says Tousignant.
The national anthem was performed by a talented group of acapella singers led by Sabrina Shaw from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
Seehawks goalie Nelson Rego said the singers embody the spirit of inclusion, resilience and community that drives the SeeHawks program. “Their performance honors Patrick’s passion for lifting others up, a value he brought to our team every day.”
The goal was to have fun, and everyone won as both teams hit the ice at the Rogers Place Downtown Community Arena. Rego said Hannas was a cherished volunteer. “His influence on our club—the only blind hockey program in the greater Edmonton area, serving both youth and adults—was immense, and this event keeps his legacy alive.”
“Patrick dedicated his time to helping everyone around him and this event allows us to pay our respects and commemorate him as the great person he is. Patrick is the reason we were able to build such a great partnership with the Seahawks Organization and to continue on with his legacy," says Tousignant.
