The Edmonton Seehawks Blind Hockey team and the Edmonton Police Association Hockey team, the EPA Blues, went toe to toe last Sunday in memory of Constable Patrick Hannas.

Hannas, who passed suddenly while volunteering on March 5, 2023, donated his time to multiple groups, including the Seehawks.

Constable Brennan Tousignant helped organize the memorial game. He says Hannas would have loved this event.

"Pat gave a lot of time to the community and was super passionate about it. He loved being around the kids, and I think he would be super proud," says Tousignant.

There were no losers in the game, only winners, as both teams battled it out on the ice at the Rogers Place Downtown Community Arena and shared touching stories about Hannas and the difference he made.

One of the stories is precisely what led Nelson Rego, the Seehawk's Goalie, to reach out to Tousignant in hopes of making this memorial event a reality.

"Pat came out to our practice, and the kids just gravitated to him. It can be very difficult for a volunteer to help out blind children, but that wasn't a problem for him."

Tousignant says colleagues and friends jumped at the idea of helping with the event. The goal now is to make the game an annual event, giving the community a chance to celebrate the life of an officer who actively tried to make a difference.

"it's important that we keep this event going, bringing more awareness to it and growing it year after year."

This year, Rego partnered with the Edmonton Human Society to gather donations for them in Hannas' name. Hannas' love for animals inspired this partnership, and both Rego and Tousignan hope that growing the event will also allow for more significant donations next year.

Paying tribute to Hannas may have been special for all those involved, but Tousignant says having the opportunity to remember him and continue his legacy is of the utmost importance. Rego echoes that sentiment: "This was someone who, even on his last day, gave back to the community."