Kelly Hrudey, Sportsnet analyst, speaks to a crowd full of sponsors and athletes at the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast on Feb. 6.

Breakfast met hockey at an event benefitting the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Athletic program last Wednesday.

The university’s seventh annual Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast featured keynote speaker Kelly Hrudey, former NHL goaltender and current Sportsnet analyst.

The University of Lethbridge is proud of its student-athletes and the amount of hard work in their respective sport, according to the university’s website.

Hrudey said without sponsors donating money towards scholarships, the student-athlete experience wouldn’t be possible.

“Student-athletes, by and large, wouldn’t be able to afford their athletics. It’s tough enough paying for school which is why scholarships and donations are very important.”

Madeline Szabo, a Pronghorns hammer thrower and Neuroscience student, explained without sponsors, she wouldn’t be able to focus on school.

“Sponsors supporting the athletic program gives (athletes) the opportunity to spend more time on the pitch, track, ice and in the classroom.”

Szabo is in her third-year with the Pronghorns track and field teams, but is only in her second year of hammer throwing.

One day, she is hoping to throw for Team Canada and is also aiming to attend medical school at some point.

She explains her coaches and the sponsors, who have been helping her through her journey are instrumental in her success.

The third-year track and field athlete believes this scholarship breakfast helps uncover the sponsors from behind the scenes.

“(The Pronghorns Scholarship Breakfast) helps put faces to the names of the sponsors and it gives (athletes) the chance to let them know how appreciated they are.”

The breakfast has raised over $289,000 in support of Pronghorn Athletics programs in the seven years it is has ran.

With every ticket sold, the university donated $100 to the event which goes directly to the teams.