The Seattle Thunderbirds’ 20th annual Hockey Challenge on Feb. 24 at the accesso ShoWare Center raised more than $170,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska (RMHC)

The challenge has now raised $6.2 million for RMHC since its inception.

Sponsors formed hockey teams to raise money to play in the challenge. All proceeds from the Challenge directly support operations of the Seattle and Anchorage Ronald McDonald Houses, which provide a home-away-from-home to support families while their children receive the critical medical care they need. Last year, the Seattle Ronald McDonald House provided 27,976 nights of housing to 429 families, while the Anchorage Ronald McDonald House provided housing to hundreds of expectant mothers, pediatric patients, and their families.

There were seven games played during the challenge. Five games involved teams from various divisions at Microsoft, LinkedIn, a women’s recreational league and NHLtoSeattle. The T-Birds-Everett Silvertips game followed the five challenge games, capped off by the Celebrity All-Star Game featuring several former T-Birds.

“We are thrilled with the results of Hockey Challenge this year and are ever grateful to the Seattle Thunderbirds, the teams, sponsors and volunteers who make the event possible,” said Vanessa Kirk Briley, co-director of development at RMHC. “We owe special thanks to the LinkedIn team for travelling from California to take part.”

“Hockey Challenge is such an important fundraiser for us since it helps us to subsidize housing and programs for those who need it most,” continued Kirk Briley. “Every year we are amazed by the hockey community’s show of love for families who need a home away from home while their child recovers from a serious illness.”

“We are very proud the challenge has been such a success for 20 years,” said Colin Campbell, T-Birds vice president. “There are so many people, from our alumni and staff to volunteers and fans, that help make the challenge a great event every season. We couldn’t do it without them. We are already looking forward to next year.”