Charity game for Peyton Walker raises more than $20,000

By David McIver

The final score ended in a tie, but for one family with strong local ties, the real outcome was a decisive win.

A charity hockey game between the U-18 Western Prairie Redwings and the visiting U-22 Western Prairie Klippers on Feb. 21 finished in a 2-2 draw, but the evening raised more than $20,000 in support of 16-year-old Peyton Walker and her family.

Peyton, daughter of former Rosetown resident Scott Walker and his wife Stacey of Wainwright, Alta., has been battling rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft-tissue cancer that first appeared on the left side of her chin.

Proton and chemotherapy treatments in Florida in 2024 eradicated the cancer, but scans in November revealed it had returned as a tumour around her left eye.

Since then, Peyton has been undergoing chemotherapy in Edmonton, requiring weekday trips for three consecutive weeks before receiving a short break. The tumour has shrunk enough to make surgery possible.

A tentative surgery date of March 6 was being considered, pending a final decision from the head surgeon, who was expected back earlier this week, said Scott’s mother, Lori Walker of Rosetown.

Community support was evident throughout the Feb. 21 fundraiser. Mike Musgrave, winner of the 50-50 draw, donated his share — more than $3,000 — back to the family. Donations at the door exceeded $10,000, and combined with the 50-50 and post-game shootout auction proceeds, the total surpassed $20,000, said organizer Trent Aylward.

“The power of community is very strong in this area and it’s been no more evident than tonight and over the past weeks, months and years that everyone’s supported us,” Scott Walker said after the game.