The spirit of community and charitable giving was on full display across Windsor-Essex County arenas as the 29th annual Hockey for Hospice tournament concluded, raising a monumental $611,000 for the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
A Community Tradition on Ice
Held in the days following Christmas, the tournament has grown into a beloved local tradition. This year's event featured an impressive 132 boys' and girls' teams competing in 228 games across four arenas in four different municipalities over three days. Games were hosted at the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg, the Essex Centre Sports Complex, the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex in LaSalle, and the Tecumseh Arena.
Kyle Beaulieu, a member of the organizing committee, emphasized the event's cultural significance. "It's basically become part of the culture here in Windsor Essex County, for people just to come together," Beaulieu said. He noted that while families often travel during other holidays, Christmas tends to keep everyone home, turning the tournament into a family reunion of sorts. "You get aunts and uncles and grandparents and everybody fill in the arenas. And it just turns into more of a first time that they get to see their nieces, nephews, grandsons that all play."
More Than Just a Game
Beyond the competition, the tournament serves a vital educational purpose. Organizers speak to the young players to explain where the fundraising dollars go and how hospice care supports countless families in the region. "After their first game, or during their first game, we go out, we talk to the kids. We let them know where the money goes, what it does," Beaulieu explained.
For the participants, it's also a unique hockey experience. "They're getting the opportunity to go to an Amherstburg arena and Essex arena, and just, it kind of feels like more of a travel side of things than the house league that they're typically used to," Beaulieu added.
A Legacy of Support for Hospice Care
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County expressed profound gratitude for the ongoing community effort. Katharen Bortolin, Executive Director of The Hospice, stated in a release, "This event is one that players, parents, coaches, and community members look forward to each year... The energy in the arenas is palpable, and year after year we are reminded of the generosity, teamwork, and heart these young players bring to the ice."
She highlighted that through their participation, the athletes are directly supporting high-quality hospice care across Windsor and Essex County.
Originally conceived as a skate-a-thon by founders Tim and Janet Beaulieu, Hockey for Hospice has seen remarkable growth over its 29-year history. To date, the tournament has raised a cumulative total of over $6.4 million for the vital services provided by the local hospice, cementing its status as a cornerstone charitable event in the region.
