In its 26th year, Hockey for Hospice founder and co-chair Tim Beaulieu proudly announced the fundraiser broke a record for the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
Over three days, more than 2,000 young hockey players skated in 227 hockey games at the Essex Centre Sports Complex, Libro Complex in Amherstburg, Tecumseh Arena, and the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex in LaSalle.
In the first 25 years, the event, which started as a skate-a-thon, raised over $4.1-million. This year, it added another $531,264 for a total of $4,709,675.
"Each year, these young players continue to amaze us," said Hospice Executive Director Nancy Brockenshire. "Their commitment to supporting Hospice as we deliver memorable care makes them true community leaders and Hospice champions."
Divisions included U7, U8, U8MD, and U9 Jamboree games, along with U11, U13, and U15 boys divisions. U11 and U13 girl divisions also took part.
"Different families have different types of holiday traditions. For our family and friends, Hockey for Hospice has been a 26-year tradition," said Beaulieu.
The top three teams that collected pledges were the OMHA U11 Orange Fireballs with $3,535, the OMHA U7 Jamboree Erie North Shore with $3,230, and the OWHA U11 Tiger Cats which collected $2,615.
The player that collected the most pledges was OMHA U15 Ryan Gutteridge of the Essex Gold with $1,800.
