More than 1,500 road hockey players gathered this weekend for the 14th annual Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer tournament, which raised a record-breaking $3.2 million for cancer research. This event, held to support cancer research, attracted a diverse group of participants, including both NHL legends and first-time players, united by their shared goal of helping to conquer cancer.
The tournament achieved a remarkable milestone this year, surpassing its previous fundraising records. Steve Merker, Vice President of Corporate and Community Partnerships at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, announced, “Several years ago, we set the Guinness World Record for the largest hockey fundraiser, and today we’ve surpassed that record. So, we’re officially the Guinness record holder once again.” Since its inception in 2011, the tournament has raised a staggering $36 million for cancer research. Merker emphasized that the event is not just about breaking records, but about the impact that the funds will have on scientists at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
“What we’re doing is we’re changing the outcomes of people who sadly are diagnosed with cancer,” Merker said. “The money that we’re raising as a community here is making a difference.” His focus on the tangible impacts of the fundraising effort resonated with many attendees who were motivated to participate for personal reasons.
NHL Alumni, Families, and Survivors Unite
Among the participants was former NHL player Carlo Colaiacovo, who has taken part in the tournament for seven years. Colaiacovo shared a personal connection to the event, stating, “My son Leo has gone through his own cancer battle.” He highlighted the accessibility of the tournament, which invites anyone to join in a simple game of ball hockey, regardless of skill level. Colaiacovo remarked on how, despite the intensity of the competition, the event embodies a spirit of unity among participants.
“We’re all one big team,” he added. “You get to learn each team’s stories and why they’re here and how much they do in fundraising.” This sense of camaraderie was a recurring theme throughout the tournament, as players came together not only to compete but also to support one another in their collective fight against cancer.
The Battle Against Cancer Continues
This year’s tournament featured over 145 teams from various regions, with each team member sharing personal stories that motivated their participation. Brad Noddle, a long-time player, expressed his dedication to the cause in honor of his mother, a breast cancer survivor. Noddle encapsulated the event’s spirit when he said, “We’re all coming together as one team to fight one common goal and one common battle against cancer. We’re going to get rid of it in our lifetime.”
As the tournament concluded, organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s event, with 145 teams already expressing their intention to return. In addition to the tournament, the organizing bodies are continuously accepting donations for cancer research year round, furthering their mission to combat this devastating disease.
