Rosters Confirmed for Hospice Hockey
The full roster for Hospice Hockey has officially been confirmed, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting nights in the Northern Ireland sporting calendar. Taking place at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Saturday 7 June 2025, the one-of-a-kind charity game will bring together an extraordinary mix of professional athletes, celebrities, local legends in an effort to raise £100,000 for Northern Ireland Hospice.
The game will see two specially formed teams – Team Horizon and Team Somerton – face off in a high energy, entertaining game. The team names pay tribute to Northern Ireland Hospice’s two vital care facilities: Horizon House, which provides specialist care for children, and Somerton House, which supports adults with life-limiting conditions. It’s a meaningful nod to the heart of the charity’s work and the thousands of individuals and families they support every year.
Among the standout names participating in Hospice Hockey are Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and brother of Giants’ Head Coach Adam Keefe, local comedian Ciaran Bartlett, former Ulster Rugby and Ireland international Craig Gilroy, and popular TV stars Siân Brooke, Nathan Braniff, Joanne Crawford, and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell. These headline figures will skate alongside current and former Belfast Giants and other household names in a high-energy, entertaining game that promises to be as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
Modelled after the success of events like Soccer Aid, Hospice Hockey is more than just a game – it’s a celebration of community, sport, and compassion. Organised by The Odyssey Trust as part of the charity’s 25th anniversary, the goal is to raise £100,000 for Northern Ireland Hospice in support of the essential care and support it provides to individuals and families affected by life-limiting illnesses.
Paul McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust, said: “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Odyssey, we’re incredibly proud to be hosting Hospice Hockey – an event that embodies the spirit of community and giving that has defined our journey to date. This event is undoubtedly a highlight of our anniversary calendar and a perfect example of one local charity doing its bit to support another. We’re honoured to open the doors of The SSE Arena to raise vital funds for Northern Ireland Hospice and to bring people together for an unforgettable night of sport and solidarity.”
Hospice Hockey will feature a full game day experience, including live entertainment, fan interaction, and plenty of surprises throughout the night. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
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