Cherished memories of ball hockey will make Dec. 22 even more special.
Teams will gather at the Creekside Drive bunk for the Ninth Annual Shayne Pearson Memorial Bunk Hockey Tournament.
Pearson tragically lost his life at the age of 15, but his friends have kept his memory alive, and strong
Since 2004, teams have gathered for the tournament of bunk hockey – one of Pearson’s favourite activities.
“I think Shayne would have loved the tournament,” said friend and tournament organizer Kyle McKee.
“We used to play ball hockey with him on that very bunk. I’m sure he’d have loved it.”
The tournament features “good old fashioned boot hockey,” according to the event’s Facebook page, with no skates allowed.
The annual event has grown over the years and generates, on average, more than 20 participating teams each year.
This year 13 teams have registered so far, but there is still plenty of time.
McKee asks that teams be limited to seven players each, but exceptions can be made.
Teams must be registered by Dec. 18, for the Dec. 22 tournament.
McKee says there are no age restrictions on participants, but adds they are often at least 13 years old.
Teams will pay a $10 entrance fee per player in honour of Pearson.
All of the money raised goes into the Shayne Pearson Memorial Bursary.
Teams are to register by next Wednesday, but McKee says if someone would like to play and has no team, they can submit their name.
“...you can throw your name in as a ‘free agent’ and usually we have enough of those to make a team,” said McKee.
This year marks the ninth tournament in Pearson’s honour and organizers have no plans to end the winter tradition.
“...I hope to see some more youths get involved so that when we decide to retire, the tournament and Shayne’s name carry on for many years to come,” McKee said.
McKee has been involved from the beginning and says it’s “fantastic.”
“I’m humbled by what this community can get together and do for a great cause, like this,” he said.
The tournament receives great support each year and McKee says it wouldn’t happen without the help of the community.
For those looking to register a team or find out more information on the Shayne Pearson Memorial Bunk Hockey Tournament, contact Kyle McKee via Facebook or e-mail at kylemckee92@gmail. com
The Shayne Pearson Memorial Bunk Hockey Tournament will mark its ninth year, this month. The tournament is set for December 22 with registrations needing to be in by December 18. Pictured here are teams from a past event playing in Pearson’s honour.
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