Hockey with Heart returns Family Day weekend

Nick Seebruch
Hockey with Heart returns Family Day weekend
Carla Ojeda was serving up some delicious Venezuelan food at the Rotary Club fundraiser on Saturday

WILLIAMSTOWN, Ontario – The Hockey with Heart Fundraiser is returning for its second year Family Day weekend, and there is still time to sign the kids up for a team.

This is the first year that the tournament will be open to players under the age of 16.

Taking place from Feb. 17 to Feb. 18 at Paul Rozon Park in Williamstown, the 16+ age group is already full with 18 teams of three.

There are still spots available in the 8 to 11 category and the 12 to 15 group.

Last year the tournament raised $7,000 for the Julie MacLachlan Foundation, which provides funds where they are needed in the community.

The foundation’s namesake, Julie MacLachlan, was a Char-Lan DHS student who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2005.

This year’s tournament will see live, local music, a cash bar operated by Jack’s Pub for players 19 and over as well as an auction and raffle with some great prizes.

Prizes include Habs tickets, wine, a gas card, Boston Pizza coupons and more.

The tournament starts at 8 a.m. on Feb. 17.

Tournament organizers Colton Gallant and Allister McDonell feel that this tournament is a great way for the community to come together and they have received strong support from a team of volunteers including John Gordon Construction who have offered to build a timekeeper’s box for this year’s tournament.

“Its important to give back to the community,” said Colton Gallant. “We want to show the younger kids that volunteering isn’t always boring. It can be fun if you link it to a passion.”

Team rosters can be submitted through the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/381384302299374/ or through contacting Gallant or McDonell.

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