CALGARY, ALTA - The Mount Royal Cougars are thrilled to announce a $20,000 donation from the Calgary Flames Foundation that will be split between the women's and men's hockey programs.

For over ten years the Flames Foundation has financially supported the Cougars hockey teams operations. The funds help the teams cover the costs of required equipment, travel, training resources, ice bookings, and more.

"Cougars Athletics and Recreation is extremely grateful to the Flames Foundation for their donation and scholarships to our varsity hockey programs. In particular, this year where so much of our landscape has been altered," said director of Cougars Athletics and Recreation, Karla Karch. "This donation allows our student-athletes to remain focused on their academic and athletic endeavors in a most uncertain time."

Even though the 2020-21 season looks different with a cancelled Canada West season, this funding will support each program's training throughout the year. The Mount Royal women's team is coming off a record year in 2019-20, earning the most wins in program history (14), MRU's first Canada West silver medal, and their first trip to the U SPORTS National Championship.

"Our teams are very grateful for this donation as we would not be able to train at the level that is required to be as successful as we want to be in the Canada West Conference without support like this," said Cougars women's hockey assistant captain Tatum Amy.

The men's team also had an outstanding 2019-20 season, earning the most wins in program history (18) and continuing their journey as an elite Canada West team making playoffs for the seventh straight year.

"We are proud supporters of both the women's and men's hockey programs at Mount Royal University as well as other post-secondary athletics in universities and colleges throughout southern Alberta," said Candice Goudie, executive director of the Calgary Flames Foundation. "We believe in the power of sport and its benefits and appreciate that teams are still working towards a safe path to playing. Now more than ever, we need to support these athletes along their journey."

The Flames and the Scotiabank Saddledome are also the gracious hosts of the famous Crowchild Classic hockey doubleheader with net revenue from ticket sales going to student-athlete wellness at both Mount Royal and the University of Calgary.