The Wetaskiwin Longhorns are gearing up for their 2nd Annual Hoedown and Golf Tournament on August 27 and 28, 2026, in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. The two-day event is a major fundraiser for the Senior AA hockey team, coming off a historic Vanberg Cup championship win earlier this year.
The hoedown kicks off on August 27 with a farm-to-table supper, live and silent auctions, and appearances by celebrity NHL guests. An Awards Banquet will celebrate the team’s successful season, which saw them sweep the defending champion Innisfail Eagles in four games to claim the North Central Hockey League title. The event is open to everyone, and proceeds go directly to supporting the team ahead of their October season opener.
The Longhorns are co-owned by country music star Gord Bamford and businessman Dennis Haan. Bamford, a 26-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner, has been a driving force behind the team’s community involvement. In October 2025, the Gord Bamford Foundation partnered with the Longhorns to launch a Community Giveback Initiative, supporting local non-profits within a 90-kilometre radius of Wetaskiwin.
Last year’s inaugural hoedown featured Bamford performing with former NHL star Theoren Fleury, along with country musicians Aaron Pritchett and Aaron Goodvin. While the guest list for 2026 has not been fully announced, the event promises more celebrity appearances and community fun. The golf tournament follows on August 28 at Montgomery Glen Golf & Country Club, giving fans a chance to hit the links with players and special guests.
The Longhorns have quickly become a source of pride in Wetaskiwin. Established in 2023, the team won the Vanberg Cup in just their third season, with alternate captain Zane Jones earning playoff MVP honours. Jones, an Olds native and former WHL standout, helped lead the team to a decisive 7-2 victory in Game 4 on March 22, 2026, at Co-op Place. With the hoedown and golf tournament, the Longhorns aim to build on that momentum and deepen their roots in the community.
