Christmas is just around the corner and all Tracy Williams wants is a trip to Thunder Bay for her floor hockey team. On Dec. 18, she's going to get much needed help from the community in order to make her Christmas wish a reality.

Williams is the head coach of the Wheat City Wings Special Olympics floor hockey team. Due to limited competition in Manitoba, Williams and the team have been raising funds in order to travel to Thunder Bay where they will play other teams and get much needed exposure.

The team is putting on an exhibition game against the Crocus Plains high school boys’ hockey team on the afternoon of Dec. 18 at the Crocus gym.

“It's the last day of classes for students before Christmas break,” said Williams. “It's going to be a lot of fun. We're going to use this game as a fundraiser and hopefully raise enough money to go to Thunder Bay.”

Williams says student council at Crocus Plains has come up with a unique idea to help out with raising the funds that are needed.

“In the student council room, they have a big couch and they're going to bring it down to the gym. Someone will have the chance to relax on a big comfy couch and watch a floor hockey game. They're also going to be provided with pizza and drinks,” said Williams.

“Lots of the students are going to come and watch. The school is really pumping it up.”

Williams says she plans to speak with Mayor Dave Burgess in hopes of having him drop the puck for the opening faceoff.

Williams also says Westman Communications Group has agreed to televise the event.

“I'm going all out,” said Williams with a smile.

“It's good for the high school team to get involved with their community. They're right on board with supporting the Special Olympic athletes. It's nice to see.”

The time for the event has not yet been planned but will be released at a later date. Williams is asking that anyone who plans on attending to please donate to her team.

Last year, the team did something similar with the AAA Wheat Kings and raised $300 for the Wheat City Wings Special Olympic floor hockey team.