The annual Humboldt Collegiate Institute Alumni basketball games make a return this holiday season. Pandemic restrictions put the event out of commission for a couple years, but the fundraising tournament is back and promises to be better than ever, says HCI teacher and organizer Kerri Archibald. The games will go the evening of Wednesday, December 21.

The tournament raises funds for the current HCI basketball squads. This year as an added treat, the alumni squad will be helmed by former HCI basketball coaches. To find out the identity of the special mystery guests, Archibald says you’ll have to come out to see. 

“We usually have our alumni come back, some as late as 1996 - the Hoopla winning team - lots of them come back to play in the boys game,” Archibald says. “We’re always happy to see our former students come back to support our current basketball programs.” 

The admission gate is split evenly between the girls and boys programs, says Archibald, and the alumni make a donation to get into the game. She says the fundraising is an important part of the event, but so is the fun factor seeing how former students fare against the new crop. 

There’s still space for additional alumni players. Those interested can contact Kerri directly at (306) 230-1935 or on the HCI Alumni Basketball Games Facebook page. Admission is $5 for those Grade 7 and up; those younger are admitted for free. The girls warmups are at 5:00 pm with the tip off at 5:30, and the boys game will follow. 

Basketball fans and lovers of nostalgia have to put the HCI Alumni game on their calendars.