NHL Legends Hit the Ice for Charity at Smilezone Hockey Helping Kids Tournament – May 25th, 2024

NHL Legends Hit the Ice for Charity at Smilezone – Hockey Helping Kids Tournament

An exciting hockey fundraising event committed to putting smiles on children’s faces
Oakville, ON (May 22, 2024) – The puck drops on the 9th Annual Smilezone Hockey Helping Kids Tournament on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, promising a day of spirited competition, family fun, and charitable giving. The puck drop is set for 6:00 am and this 12-hour two-ice pad tournament will continue until the last game at 7:00 pm with each team playing four games.
This year’s tournament features 14 teams and over 200 players at Joshua’s Creek Arena in Oakville, ON. The excitement extends beyond the ice with a silent auction, Chuck-a-Puck challenge, a dedicated Kids Zone with face painting and balloon animals, and more activities for all ages.

Each team will have one celebrity pro hitting the ice with them, which will be determined by an online Zoom draft. Celebrities that will be playing in this year’s tournament include:
Adam Graves – Two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Co-Founder of Smilezone Foundation
Rick Vaive – Celebrated Toronto Maple Leafs Captain and first 50-goal scorer

Mike Gartner, NHL Hall of Famer known as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.
Colton Orr, NHL enforcer famed for his 11-year NHL career with the Boston Bruins, the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs
Stephane Matteau, Former NHL player known for his game-winning goal in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals Megan Bozek, Team USA defender and two-time Olympic medalist,
Kris Versteeg, Stanley Cup champion Brandon Prust, Former NHL enforcer Brandon Prust, known for his energetic play Sami Jo Small, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, an Olympic silver medalist and a 5-time World Champion.

“This year’s Smilezone Hockey Helping Kids Tournament wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community, participating hockey teams and our pro celebrities,” says Smilezone Co-Founder Adam Graves. “Their dedication and generosity are truly inspiring. The true gift of the game lies in the friendships forged along the way and the power to unite in support of our community.”
This community-driven tournament, fueled by volunteers, requires each participating hockey team to raise at least $9,000, all to support the Smilezone Foundation.
All proceeds from the Smilezone Hockey Helping Kids Tournament benefit the Smilezone Foundation. The Smilezone Foundation transforms spaces in healthcare settings to make them more comforting and fun for children and families accessing care; helping to make tough days brighter!
This year’s fundraising goal is an ambitious $200,000! Every game, activity, and donation helps bring smiles to children’s faces. A smile is a powerful thing. A simple smile can make a tough day brighter for children and their families accessing care in a healthcare setting. A Smilezone offers an uplifting, calming and accessible environment for children and their families to use while waiting for or receiving treatment.

Event details:
• Date: Saturday, May 25th, 2024
• Time: First game at 6:00 AM, last game at 7:00 PM
• Location: Joshua Creek Arenas, 1663 North Service Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 7T1
• Website: www.smilezonehockey.com

This fun-filled tournament is free and open to the public and fans are encouraged to join the festivities throughout the day.

To keep updated about the event, follow Smilezone Foundation on Facebook @Smilezonefoundation and Instagram @smilezonefoundation

About Smilezone Foundation
Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity in Oakville, Ont., committed to improving the lives of children receiving medical treatment at health facilities across Canada. In 2012, founders Adam Graves and Scott Bachly were approached to make a financial contribution to the construction of a local hospital. Through partnerships with hospitals, community centres and other organizations, Smilezone creates accessible, fun, and therapeutic environments where children can heal and thrive. Smilezone has transformed 400 spaces into Smilezones across Canada, benefiting more than 83 communities and reaching more than 340,000 children annually. For more information, visit www.smilezone.com.

For more information:
Micki Benedetti
Smilezone Foundation
P: 905-466-2575
benedetti.micki@gmail.com

Thank you to all of the Hockey Helping Kids Tournament Committee Members: