Hockey for Hospice tournament raises $534,984

The Hockey for Hospice tournament featured 115 teams with some of the action taking place at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.

The 28th annual Hockey for Hospice is in the books for another year and this year’s total is $534,984.

The tournament was held Dec. 27-29 with four arenas and eight ice pads used. Twin-pad arenas in Amherstburg, Essex, Tecumseh and LaSalle were utilized for the three-day event. This year’s total brings the overall 28-year fundraising amount to over $5.8 million.

“We’ve got 2,000 kids playing hockey all across Essex County,” said Tim Beaulieu, a tournament founder and member of the organizing committee. “They are raising money for Hospice while having fun and that’s what it’s all about.”

Amherstburg Black won the U11 division in the Hockey for Hospice tournament. (Submitted photo)

The 2024 tournament saw 115 teams from across the region participating. Stretching from “jamborees” at the younger levels starting at U7 all the way up to U15 teams, the tournament saw both boys and girls teams participating.

Beaulieu said an “army of volunteers” helped the tournament run, with that “army” meaning 45-50 people took time out from their holidays to assist. The Amherstburg Admirals’ mascot was on hand to entertain the kids while members of the LaSalle Vipers Jr. B hockey team were also part of the tournament.

Players still learn about the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County from staff and volunteers, who go into the dressing rooms and talk to the players prior to their games.

Jamboree action took place at the Libro Centre during the Dec. 27-29 Hockey for Hospice tournament. Four arenas - the Libro Centre, Essex Centre Sports Complex, Tecumseh Arena and the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle - were used during the three-day tournament.

“After having been in the tournament for a couple of years, (the players) are telling us about Hospice,” said Beaulieu.

Beaulieu stated people who once played in the tournament two decades ago are now returning as coaches.

“We’re seeing the next generation come through,” he said.

The tournament started as a skate-a-thon in the old AMA Arena in Amherstburg with Beaulieu and his wife Janet starting it in memory of one of his staff members, who died of cancer at age 21. The staff member, whose initials are still in the Hockey for Hospice tournament logo, developed a cough in September, was diagnosed shortly thereafter and died the following February over 28 years ago.

Tecumseh (blue) and Amherstburg (grey) U15 boys teams squared off at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle Dec. 28. Amherstburg won the game 5-0.

“Janet and I wanted to do something in her honour,” said Beaulieu. “Now this has grown into a monster event. It went from being a skate-a-thon to 2,000 kids playing hockey.”

Katharen Bortolin, executive director with the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County, said Hospice is happy to be associated with the tournament. She said they appreciate the players, coaches, referees, trainers and all of the volunteers who take time from their holidays to put the tournament on.

“It truly takes a village,” said Bortolin. “It makes for a wonderful tournament we are really proud to be part of.”

The money that is raised goes directly to support those in the care of Hospice, she noted.

“This is the largest fundraiser we have over the course of the year,” said Bortolin. “The fact we are in the 28th year is amazing.”

Bortolin added the Hockey for Hospice tournament is well organized.

“It is definitely a well-oiled machine behind the scenes,” she said.

More information on the tournament can be found at www.hockeyforhospice.com.

By Ron Giofu

(This story was updated slightly from the version that was originally posted.)