The annual Law Enforcement Charity Hockey Challenge was a big one this year with ten teams competing for glory at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena from Feb. 23 to 25.

When the dust settled, it was the rookies who prevailed, as the squad representing the BC Corrections took home the W over a team representing Prince George police.

But while the record number of teams in attendance was one highlight, organizers were even more thrilled with the amount of money raised in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

One of the two Merritt squads in attendance on a strong showing in their final game of the tournament. (Cole Wagner/Herald).

Smashing their goal of raising $20,000, the tournament totals exceeded $22,000 when all was said and done on Sunday afternoon.

The money was raised through a raffle, 50/50 draws and a silent auction table which was active all weekend.

Last year, the tournament raised $18,500 in support of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.