A sold-out field of golfers hit the links at Pointe West Golf Club for the Ed Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic all to raise money for a trio of charities.
The tournament, held last Friday, saw proceeds split between the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County, the Alzheimer Society of Windsor- Essex and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for breast cancer research.
The tournament was in its sixth year and Jovanovski, the former Windsor Spitfire and NHL defenseman, said he was happy with the turnout and those who worked to present the event.
“I can’t say enough about what the group does,” said Jovanovski. “It’s a lot of work and a lot of planning.”
Jovanovski said they raised about $150,000 last year and they were looking to match or top it this year. They ended up doing that as the tournament raised $165,000 in 2024, with $55,000 to go to each of the three organizations.
“We’re trying to raise as much money as we can for a few great causes,” said Jovanovski.
Jovanovski and his family have personal connections to the causes chosen but he noted “everyone is affected by something” and they wanted to do their part to give back.
“They are very near and dear to us,” he said, of the three charities chosen.
The funds couldn’t be raised without a lot of local support, Jovanovski added, and also pointed out several friends from Florida also came up for the golf tournament. Former NHL players were also on hand last Friday, with Zack Kassian and Todd Bertuzzi being among the 144 golfers that headed out last Friday morning.
“It’s always good to come back and see family and friends and visit my mom,” said Jovanovski. “It’s always nice to come home. It’s nice to get back and see everyone.”
Jovanovski added: “I’m thrilled. I think that everything has been a huge success. Sometimes it’s tough year-after-year to look for support from the same people. We haven’t had any trouble.”
Organizers have appreciated the support they have and also thanked Pointe West for hosting the tournament again this year.
Scott Elliott, a member of the organizing committee, said they had new events planned on the course to keep things fresh for everyone. He said the tournament raised over $560,000 in its first five years.
“We’re hoping to add to that success,” he said. “It’s a big event and a big day.”
Of the 144 golfers, there were some new faces but many returning players as well.
“As soon as one tournament is done, they are already booking for the next one,” said Elliott, who worked with Deni Jovanovski, Andrea Sikora, Kendra Elliott and Mike Bezzoubkin to organize the event.
Jovanovski, a Windsor native, played for 18 seasons in the NHL after playing for the Spitfires. He started and finished his NHL career with the Florida Panthers, who picked him first overall in the 1994 NHL Draft, and he had stops in Vancouver and Phoenix along the way. He played 1,128 NHL games with 137 goals, 363 assists for 500 points and 1,491 penalty minutes.
Jovanovski Golf Classic expecting to raise big bucks again this year
By Ron Giofu
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