Tyler Hanson Memorial Street Hockey Tournament

SAM ODROWSKI The Standard

A street hockey tournament will be held in Port Perry on September 30th and October 1st to honour the memory of Tyler Hanson, a 12-year-old hockey player who passed away a couple years ago.

The proceeds raised at the tournament will support Sick Kids Pediatric Acute Care Team (PACteam) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham. (BBBSND) Last year, the Tyler Hanson Memorial Street Hockey tournament raised almost $15,000 for Sick Kids PACteam.

A donation of $150 per team is required to compete in the tournament, which is taking place at the Vos Independent Grocer’s parking lot, in Port Perry.

The games are self-refereed and people of all skill levels are welcome to compete. The tournament is based around having fun and isn’t overly competitive, according to Adrianna Hanson, Tyler’s mom.

“It’s based on the premise of fun and friendship which is a huge thing in our family and something that Tyler was a big advocate of. One of his traits was always encouraging and welcoming kids to his team, to his school, and anything he was a part of, he was very inclusive,” Mrs. Hanson said.

She added, this is a wonderful community event and a great opportunity for people to see old hockey friends they haven’t seen in a while.

“This event is about bringing together our community in a fun and friendship orientated way,” Mrs. Hanson said.

The tournament is also a great way to get exercise and support two organizations that positively impact the lives of children.

“It’s a really fun way to get exercise, play something you maybe haven’t done in a while, and support two really awesome charities,” Mrs. Hanson said.

Tyler was a patient at Sick Kids all his life and Mrs. Hanson said the hospital has always been extremely supportive.

“Sick Kids are the what I call the unsung people behind the scenes,” she said.

The PACteam specifically, helps thousands of patient’s families who are facing end of life situations. Donations to this section of Sick Kids go towards the creation and maintenance of bereavement rooms at Sick Kids Hospital.

“I am a participant with bereaved families of Ontario and I was able to hear first-hand from one of the families I know that was touched by PACT,” Mrs. Hanson said.

She added, “The PACT team is extremely supportive and very aware and empathetic about the situations people are facing.”

The other charity receiving donations from this event is BBBSND, an organization that is also making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

BBBSND is Canada’s leading child and youth mentoring charity, the organization facilitates life-changing relationships that boost kid’s self-confidence and helps them reach their potential.

Mrs. Hanson told the Standard they are anticipating the Oshawa Generals Events Team to be in attendance of the event as well as several hockey vendors.

Community Living will have a BBQ station set up at Vos Parking lot and will be cooking hotdogs and hamburgers as well.

The tournament runs from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on September 30th and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on October 1st at 1893 Scugog Street, Port Perry. Anyone interested in registering a team for the tournament can email  tylerballhockeytourney@gmail.com  and express their interest. Registration forms are available online.