For 29 years, John Greig has been organizing a grassroots hockey tournament simply because he loves the sport.
Greig and his friend Bob Allan have been helping put on the St. Vincent Township Strathnairn recreational hockey tournament in arenas such as Rocklyn, Dundalk, Markdale and now Collingwood. This year’s tournament takes place April 6-8 at both Eddie Bush and Central Park arenas.
Any extra proceeds raised at the tournament are donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation.
“We enjoy people and hockey and we are trying to do some good,” said Greig.
This is the second year the tournament will take place in Collingwood, and there are 24 teams signed up to play 40 games in total. Games start at 6 p.m. Friday at the Eddie Bush Arena and 7 p.m. at Central Park Arena. There are games from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 9-5 p.m. Sunday at the Eddie Bush Arena with the championship games starting at 1 p.m. Central Park will have games from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday. There’s a $3 admission charge for spectators.
The teams this year from from as far away as Wallaceburg, Guelph, the GTA, Toronto, Owen Sound, Coldwater, Barrie and Alliston. It’s men’s recreational hockey for ages 18 and up.
The tournament is full, but teams can sign up for next year’s event.
Organizers are also looking for youth volunteers (their time will be counted as community service hours) to help with the front door and player sign in for the tournament.
To volunteer or sign up for next year’s tournament contact Greig at 519-387-2949 or email him. Click here for the tournament website.