Simon Fraser University graduates Jesse Mysiorek and Taylor Piller were back on the ice together, at least when it comes to playing in front of an audience, for the first time since the 2014/15 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

The former teammates took part in the Comox Valley Mayor’s Cup alongside the Vancouver Canucks Alumni in an annual game that raises funds for KidSport, a not-for-profit organization that helps kids who cannot play sports due to financial barriers. KidSport helps between 100-125 young athletes across the Comox Valley each year.

Mysiorek played five seasons with SFU from 2012-2017, while Piller suited up in four seasons from 2011-2015. Both hail from Saskatchewan, and both graduated with their Bachelor of Science degrees in Earth Science. Today, the two former teammates remain close and are both completing their Masters of Science in Engineering Geology.

The Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association is a long time supporter of collegiate hockey in B.C., and provided Mysiorek and Piller the opportunity of a lifetime to travel on the team bus and suit up with the former NHLers.

“The atmosphere was great, everyone had a great time including the fans,” says Mysiorek. “The highlight was suiting up in Canucks gear and skating with those guys.”

The event would raise over $16,000 as well as much-needed awareness for Comox Valley KidSport and featured Canucks Alumni Thomas Gradin and BJ MacDonald.

BCIHL Alumni Week takes place from February 1st-9th and celebrates student-athletes who competed in the league and have now moved on to graduate programs or working careers.