A charity hockey game in Parksville takes place on Friday, Jan. 30. (Image Credit: (NanaimoNewsNOW file photo))

By Ian Holmes

charity game

Parksville charity hockey game backs valued causes  

Jan 29, 2026 | 5:38 AM

PARKSVILLE  — A lot more beyond goals and assists will be on the line when the Oceanside Generals suit up against local first responders for a charity clash in Parksville.

On Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:15 p.m. the puck drops at Oceanside Place, with proceeds supporting the wife of a Parksville firefighter who’s battling ALS, and to support an organization advocating for military and emergency response personnel.  

Proceeds from the evening will be directed to ALS Canada and Wounded Warriors Canada. 

Funds to support Wounded Warriors Canada is in response to Parksville Fire Rescue member Karen Petraschuk, one of eight runners embarking shortly on an annual fundraising run. 

Event details for the Oceanside Generals vs local emergency responders charity hockey game on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets purchases are available at the door. (Image Credit: Oceanside Generals)

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Wounded Warriors Canada participants combine to run nearly 800 kilometers over eight days starting on Feb. 22 in Port Hardy en-route to Victoria. 

Petraschuk, 43, said her share is to cover about 100 kilometers.

She’s pleased to see the community rallying around the fire department ahead of Friday night’s game.

“The amount of support from the firehall and the rest of the community here in Parksville has been amazing so for. I’m excited about the game, excited for the turnout and to contribute to two great causes,” Petraschuk told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She was compelled to be involved with the Wounded Warriors movement after the 2024 run when the team visited the Parksville’s Royal Canadian Legion branch.

“I just felt like three of my worlds were colliding with firefighting, with my background in running and being an advocate for mental health.”

Petraschuk said running has been a pivotal tool for her in navigating various personal challenges, including the passing of her father.

In addition to physical benefits of remaining active, Petraschuk said the mental health aspect can’t be understated, describing running as a form of meditation.

Petraschuk is pleased to see de-stigmatizing trauma-related injuries carried by emergency responders has come a long way in recent years.

A multitude of resources are provided through Parksville Fire Rescue after members attend challenging trauma-related tasks, Petraschuk noted.

“We do a debrief at at the hall and then we have, depending on the severity of the event, have doctors and counsellors that come in and other different avenues of support to access.”

Wounded Warriors Canada provides programming to first responders and military veterans, as well as their families, in dealing with post-trauma injuries. 

Meanwhile, the Generals hit the ice for regular season VIJHL action on Thursday, Jan 29 in Nanaimo against the Buccaneers at 7:15 p.m. at Nanaimo Ice Centre. 

Oceanside hosts the Westshore Wolves on Saturday, Jan 31 at 7:15 p.m. at Oceanside Place. 

Parksville’s Karen Petraschuk will be running the length of Vancouver Island shortly on behalf of Wounded Warriors Canada. (Image Credit: Parksville Fire Rescue)

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