Ex-NHLers, Olympians hit the ice for a good cause

They say third times a charm but The Scarborough Hospital Foundation (TSHF) says it’s pleased with the turnout at its Second Annual Scarborough World Cup of Hockey.

NHL alumni joined former members of the Canadian women’s Olympic hockey team and laced up their skates with local Scarborough businesses in a one-day fundraising tournament on April 1 at the Angus Glen Community Centre.

“We’re trying to raise funds for two new defibrillators to replace older units we have,” TSHF community development vice-president Guy Bonnell said. “The one thing you may or may not know is that the government in the healthcare system does not pay for new equipment.

“We are actually going to make some money this year, so all the proceeds will go to those purchases.”

Last year’s tournament was great, Bonnell said, but it didn’t raise the amount of money the foundation was hoping for.

“It was our first year out and you’re trying to build the awareness around it, and we only had six teams,” he said.

This year, eight teams competed for the Peter Zezel Memorial Cup, named in memory of the Scarborough native and former Toronto Maple Leaf.

Jean-Marc MacKenzie, senior vice-president with Shepell-fgi, a leading sponsor of the tournament, said his company decided to participate in the tournament because it supports the kind of care the hospital provides to the community.

“It’s for a great cause,” he said. “We are pleased to support two good causes in the Zezel family in recognition of Peter as well as the hospital foundation.”

Leo Mastoras, sales associate at World Fishing Network, was a first-time player in the tournament.

“I couldn’t be happier playing with NHL alumni and for a great cause,” he said. “I hope to be back next year.”

Bonnell said he’s already looking forward to a bigger Scarborough World Cup next year.

“Hopefully next year we will grow it [tournament] by another two teams,” he said. “We want to get at least 10 to 12 teams but the critical thing above that is getting enough sponsors to come in.”

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By: Kayla Kreutzberg
Posted: Apr 6 2011 4:59 pm
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