Hockey tournament raises funds for cancer research

Hockey tournament. Leitrim Hawks players on Team 9 (green) and Team 7 (white) face-off on the Spratt ice rink as part of the inaugural Riverside South pond hockey tournament on Jan. 27. The event kicks off fundraising for the second-annual South Ottawa Race Day in support of brain cancer research. Jessica Cunha/Metroland

The inaugural Riverside South pond hockey tournament was a huge success, with 80 children and 10 teams hitting the ice to raise funds for brain cancer research.

The event, which took place at the Spratt ice rink beside Steve MacLean Public School on Sunday, Jan. 27, raised approximately $1,300 for a cause close to the community.

“This is being Canadian,” said organizer Lindsay Carreau, gesturing to the rinks filled with children on skates.

Teams hit the ice at 8:30 a.m. and continued skating throughout the chilly morning into the sunny afternoon until around 3 p.m.

Each team played three games and although no scores were kept, everyone left a winner.

“All the kids got a puck,” said Jen Caster, who had a son playing in the tournament.

FUNDRAISER

“It’s the first fundraiser to start off the year,” said Caster.

Meant as a fun outdoor activity, Carreau and Celena McDonald created the pond hockey event to serve as a kickoff for fundraising for the second-annual South Ottawa Race Day.

The run was created after Greely resident and Earl of March Secondary School graduate Heather Geddie was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour in 2009. She fought the disease for two years before she died in July 2011. Members of the community were so inspired by Geddie’s positive attitude that after her death they decided to host the South Ottawa Race Day to fundraise for brain cancer research.

Last year’s race took place on Sept. 30 and raised more than $80,000.

“It’s been really successful,” said Caster. “It continues to raise money for brain cancer research.”