From NHL Legacy to Cancer Research: Maria Niinimaa's Inspiring Hockey Journey
When Maria Niinimaa received the invitation to participate in the World's Longest Hockey Game, her response was immediate and unwavering. "When I got asked to play in this game, there was no chance I was going to say no," she declared. "We need so many more treatments to fight cancer." This powerful commitment brought her all the way from Stockholm, Sweden, to an acreage east of Edmonton, where she joined forty dedicated players in an extraordinary fundraising effort.
Continuing a Family Tradition of Giving Back
Janne Niinimaa, Maria's brother, made his mark during his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, scoring memorable goals that thrilled fans. Now, Maria is pursuing her own significant goal: helping raise $1 million for cancer research through this remarkable event. This represents the eleventh edition of the major fundraising initiative originally spearheaded by Dr. Brent Saik in 2003 on his property east of Sherwood Park. To date, the event has raised over $8.1 million for cancer research and equipment for the Alberta Cross Cancer Institute.
The current game, running from February 5th to 16th, aims to break the previous record set in 2024 by playing for 263 consecutive hours—nearly eleven full days of continuous hockey. That previous effort raised over $1.4 million, demonstrating the incredible commitment of participants and supporters alike.
A Personal Connection to Edmonton and the Cause
For Maria, this journey represents a meaningful return to Edmonton after 24 years away. "I used to come visit Janne quite a bit when he was playing here," she recalled. Her family developed a relationship with event founder Dr. Brent Saik during Janne's time with the Oilers. "Our family got to know Brent when Janne was playing here, and he always told Brent that when he was retired he'd play in this game, and I told Brent that I always wanted to do it, too." Janne fulfilled his promise by participating in the 2015 edition, and now Maria is creating her own chapter in this family tradition of support.
From Basement Games to International Fundraising
Maria's hockey journey began in childhood when her brother would wake her in the middle of the night for impromptu basement practice sessions. "He would be Janne 'Ray Bourque' Niinimaa, and I'd be Maria 'Ron Hextall' Niinimaa, and he'd shoot pucks on me non-stop," she remembered with fondness. Her father's encouraging observation—"oh, you're pretty good"—helped solidify her interest in the sport.
Growing up in Raahe, Finland, where no girls' teams existed, Maria initially played on boys' teams before transitioning to soccer. Now at 48, she has returned to hockey as a goaltender for Team Hope, facing off against Team Cure in this marathon event. "I'm not here for my hockey skills, I'm just here for the fun. I'm having an absolute blast," she emphasized. "I've made a few good saves, and we have a great group of players, that's making this experience so much fun."
Favorable Conditions for a Noble Cause
Unlike previous editions where players endured brutal temperatures dipping into the -30°C to -40°C range, this year's event has featured above-seasonal temperatures that make the outdoor experience more manageable. This meteorological blessing helps participants focus on their primary mission: raising vital funds for cancer research while attempting to set a new world record for continuous hockey.
The World's Longest Hockey Game stands as a testament to community spirit, athletic endurance, and unwavering commitment to fighting cancer. Maria Niinimaa's participation bridges international borders, family legacy, and personal dedication to creating a world with better cancer treatments—one save, one shift, and one donation at a time.
