Ball hockey tourney raises over $4,000 for Easter Seals

Team Canadian Tire forward Adam Casselman (far right) scored the tying goal in the game on Saturday morning at the annual ball hockey tournament for Easter Seals. (The Leader/Blancher photo)

WILLIAMSBURG – For over 20 years, the annual Williamsburg Ball Hockey Tournament has raised funds locally to support Easter Seals Ontario.

Tournament organizer Brian Shaver stick-handles for team Canadian Tire.

This year, $4,060 was raised by the six teams that took part in the one-day ball hockey tournament held at the J.C. Whitteker Park in Williamsburg.

That is an increase over 2018, when $3,840 was fundraised. Each player involved with the tournament must raise a minium of $20 to take part.

Tournament organizer Brian Shaver said that Jason Rooney was the top pledge getter, raising over $600 in donations. Rooney has been the top pledge getter in the tournament six times.

The tournament itself saw Team Griffin Patterson go undefeated for the day, winning the tournament championship game against the South Dundas Midget Lions 4-2. This is the third year-in-a-row that Team Patterson has won the tournament.

“I am really glad to have the support from the community and players to keep this tournament going,” Shaver said.

Three-peat champions Team Patterson posed for this photo after their 4-2 victory over the SD Midget Lions team. Pictured above (l-r): Jonathan Rylaarsdam, Logan Merrit, Griffin Patterson, Willy Dejong, Randy Keller, Cal Bilmer, Tyler Rae, and goalie Adam Lapier.

The tournament traditionally is held the weekend after the Thanksgiving weekend.

To date, nearly $70,000 has been raised in the 21 years the tournament has been held.

Since you’re here…

… Thanks for reading this article. Local news is important. We hope that you continue to support local news in your community by reading The Leader, online and in print. Please consider subscribing to the print edition of the newspaper. Click here to subscribe today.

Subscribe to Email Alerts

Enter your email address to subscribe to Email Alerts and receive notifications of new posts by email whenever The Leader publishes new content on our website.