Hockey greats and volunteers score for the homeless

STORY BY DARYLL HINVES

Volunteers and NHL greats are lacing up their skates to raise money for Canada’s homeless.

Hockey Helps the Homeless is a volunteer-driven charity that hosts hockey tournaments across Canada since it was established in 1996. The tournament has raised over $8 million in donations for the homeless.

The funds raised during this year’s tournament will be used to address the needs of the estimated 250,000 people who will experience homelessness in Canada this year.

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“Our mission is to help isolated and vulnerable children, youth and families in our community overcome adversity and crisis and move to a state of safety, stability and well-being,” said Hilary Ostrom, HHTH’s marketing coordinator.

Tournaments are held across 10 Canadian cities, Toronto, Markham, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg, London, Barrie and Kitchener.

The tournament is comprised of men and women 19 years of age and older, with each team made up of 13 skaters and a goalie, plus two former NHL pros play on each men’s team. Every womens team features two Olympic Gold-Medalists or Canadian Women’s Hockey League players.

“I am participating in the 2014 Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament to raise money for 360 kids right here in Markham,” said Janet Mott, a HHTH volunteer player. “I’m so excited that I get to be a part of this event surrounded by superstars.”

This year, Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens alumni will be participating. Gary Roberts, Wayne Primeau, Patrice Brisebois, and Shayne Corson are just some of the NHL alumni named on the men’s roster. Caroline Ouellette, Cherie Piper and Natalie Spooner are featured Team Canada gold medalists that will appear in the women’s tournament.

The two-day event begins on Thursday, Nov. 13 with an all-day tournament at Angus Glen Arena, featuring 16 Members of Canada’s Gold Medal Olympic Team. The Hockey Helps the Homeless Alumni Showcase Game will be taking place at Centennial Arena featuring Toronto Maple Leafs alumni facing Montreal Canadiens alumni, with tickets on sale for $30 on the HHTH website.

On Friday, the men’s tournament will be taking place all day at Angus Glen & Centennial arenas. The tournament will be featuring 36 Former NHL players, followed by a dinner reception and silent auction at Angus Glen Community Centre from 6p.m to 8p.m.

Added by Daryll Hinves on November 4, 2014.
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