Odyssey Trust to host charity ice hockey game in support of Hospice
The Odyssey Trust has proudly announce ‘Hospice Hockey’, a special fundraising ice hockey game in support of Northern Ireland Hospice.
This one-of-a-kind event will take place at The SSE Arena in Belfast on Saturday 7th June 2025, as part of The Odyssey Trust’s landmark 25th-anniversary celebrations.
Inspired by the likes of Soccer Aid, Hospice Hockey will bring together current and former ice hockey players, local legends, and celebrities for an unforgettable evening of sport and entertainment. With thrilling on-ice action, live entertainment, and plenty of surprises in store, Hospice Hockey is set to be one of Belfast’s most exciting events of the year.
Comprised of The SSE Arena, the Stena Line Belfast Giants, W5 Science & Discovery Centre, and W5 LIFE, The Odyssey Trust is the charity that was established to oversee the investment in and management of Northern Ireland’s Millennium project. Guided by its charitable objectives of improving social welfare and life opportunities for the people of Northern Ireland, The Odyssey Trust aims to raise £100,000 for Northern Ireland Hospice across the weekend of the event through both a fundraising black-tie gala dinner and the unique Hospice Hockey game.
Robert Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust, said: “As we celebrate 25 years of Odyssey, we are reflecting on what truly defines us – not just as a world-class education and entertainment destination, but as a force for good in Northern Ireland. The Belfast Giants were founded on the belief that sport has the power to unite and inspire, and this event embodies that spirit. Ice hockey in Belfast has always been about more than just a game – it’s about the people, the passion, and the connections it creates.
“Northern Ireland Hospice is a charity that has given so much to so many, and we are honoured to use this event to support the incredible work it does. Every ticket sold, every pound raised, will make a real difference to families who need it most.”
Trevor McCartney, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Hospice, commented: “As a chosen charity of The Odyssey Trust for 2025, it’s great to see our impactful relationship develop with ‘Hospice Hockey’, for what promises to be a truly spectacular event. What better way to have fantastic fun while generously supporting Hospice!
“Whatever the match result, the ultimately winners will be those we care for at Hospice and their families, as a result of the fantastic generosity of the Giants and their fans. That’s because the target donation of £100,000 can make a profound difference and could help to fund two Specialist Nurses. These dedicated professionals help us to provide our essential comfort and care to 4,000 babies, children, and adults living with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses.”
For over 40 years, Northern Ireland Hospice has provided expert medical care, emotional support, and dignity to thousands of patients, from infants to adults, living with life-limiting conditions. Its holistic approach focuses on pain relief and symptom management and supporting families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Despite its life-changing work, Northern Ireland Hospice must raise millions of pounds each year to sustain its vital services, relying heavily on donations and fundraising efforts. In 2023/24 alone, it cost £19.5 million to run both the Children’s and Adults’ Hospices.
Tickets go on sale at 12pm on Wednesday, 12 March, via Ticketmaster.ie, with roster announcements expected in the coming weeks. Don’t miss your chance to witness hockey history while making a genuine difference. For the latest information about Hospice Hockey, visit www.belfastgiants.com.
Pictured below left are Adam Keefe, Head Coach, Belfast Giants; Toni Bowler, Staff Nurse, Northern Ireland Hospice; Trevor McCartney, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Hospice, at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Below right are NI Hospice Chief Executive Trevor McCartney; Anita McQuade, Staff Nurse, Northern Ireland Hospice; and Robert Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust.
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