Pierrefonds Sportsplexe becomes hockey heaven
By Jim Morrison
The Pierrefonds Sportplexe, was hockey heaven Friday March 28, as it played host to the 10th edition of Hockey helps the homeless (HHTH), Montreal tournament.
HHTH started in 1996, when a group of Toronto businessmen, decided to turn an annual industry hockey tournament into a charitable event for the homeless, in the city of Toronto. Their idea turned out to be a huge success and by 2008, the event had spread to cities from coast to coast including Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver.
The event allows hockey enthusiasts to play alongside former hockey pros, while raising money in support of the homeless in the community.
Celebrating its 10th year, the Montreal edition produced 16 men’s teams, with masters and competitive divisions.
West Island resident, P.J. Stock, former NHL player, and present analyst on Hockey Night Canada, served as emcee for the evening celebrations.
The highlight was the presence of Gold medal winners of ladies hockey, Catherine Ward, Caroline Ouellette, Lauriane Rougeau, and Genevieve Lacasse, speaking in a hot stove format, to the hundreds in attendance.
“We have eight committee members, and over 40 volunteers putting this together. Everyone plays a huge part in its success.” said HHTH fundraising manager, Michelle LeDonne.
“The money made in Montreal stays in Montreal” said HHTL Committee Chairman, Martin Roy.
This is just one of many tournaments that are held across the country, but the proceeds from this event will go to organizations that help our local community.”
The tournament aids in helping, The Old Brewery Mission, Benedict Labre House, St-James Drop in Centre, Old Brewery Mission, L’Avenue Inc, and On Rock Ministries.
The keynote speaker from Benedict Labre house, was represented by Ben, who put the event in perspective with his presentation on the importance of the involvement of HHTH
On Rock Community Services is an organization, based in Pierrefonds. The goal is committed to making a difference in the Montreal area by being a resource for people in the community. This takes various forms, including a Food Bank, a School Lunch Program, and a Community Diner.
“This is my first year playing with The Bark Busters. The event was really well run, and our team played with former professionals, Bobby Dollas, and Gord Donnelly.
More important is that the Bark Busters collected $ 23,600.00 for the cause.” Châteauguay resident, Marc Purdon, told The Montreal Times.
“I played for freedom 55 financial, and we played with Mat Dandenault, and Luc Dufour.
It was a great tournament and a good way to show awareness for a growing problem in Montreal.
I see the problem getting worse in the Montreal region, every couple of months. It is nice to get out and raise some money for a good cause and to give back to the city.” said Montreal resident, Wyatt Weir
A new national record for Hockey Helps the Homeless was set as $370,000.00 was made from the tournament.
Further information on HHTL can be viewed-
http://hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com
