Pros lace up for Barrie's Hockey Helps the Homeless event
Hockey Helps the Homeless is back on the blades on Sept. 30.
After COVID-19 delays in both 2021 and earlier this year, 15 teams will take to the ice to raise money for the Busby Centre and Redwood Park Homes.
The hockey charity has raised $678,000 for shelters since 2015, said Erik Luczak, manager of hockey operations.
"We're so encouraged by our participants," Luczak said. "It's been a bit of a struggle to get people back out, but I think now it's changing.
The first in-person event was held Oct. 2021 in Waterloo, he said.
"It's been growing and growing ever since. Every city recognizes our benefit to the community, and they appreciate it right now because it's needed."
To kick-start the charity event, roughly 150 players on 15 teams will partake in the "draft" event Sept. 29 at the Southshore Community Centre.
Luczak said each team will bid on one of 10 NHL players to join their team. The team who has fundraised the most will get the first bid on the NHL player.
For example, Luczak said, when he last checked, CIBC had raised $17,000 for the charities, so it would have the first pick of the 10 pros.
"It incentivizes the teams if they want to raise a little money... And last minute, they're throwing down a credit card," he said.
Teams currently on the roster include Niche Bakers, Mortgage Sense, Alair Homes, CIBC Wood Gundy, Georgian Chevrolet, Myodynamic Health, Scotia Wealth, Jeff's Junk and Canada Life – the national founding sponsor.
Each team is guaranteed to play three games in the competitive or recreational division throughout the day.
"We do have a point system to determine our champion, but at the end of the day, we're all there to raise funds for a good cause: Busby & Redwood Park Homes," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.