‘Play with purpose’: Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament in Montreal

Homelessness is affecting more and more individuals across Canada, making it a growing issue that demands attention and action.

That’s why Hockey Helps the Homeless, a not-for-profit charity, is skating toward a solution by raising funds and awareness for homelessness in Canada through pro-am tournaments and corporate fundraisers to support those in need across the country.

By tapping into Canada’s deep connection to hockey, the organization raises awareness and funds for homelessness, working through education, fundraising efforts, and partnerships with local agencies focused on practical solutions.

This year, they are celebrating the annual hockey tournament in Montreal at the Sportsplexe Pierrefonds.

“It’s a dream day for a hockey player. Every player gets to play with one NHLer on their team, and every single player in this tournament is fundraising from their own contacts and contributing to the cause. This year, we’re going to hopefully get close to one million dollars,” said Corry Kelahear, tournament co-chair.

“Today is much, much bigger than hockey, but it’s really cool to be able to support a charity and play our favorite sport at the same time.”

He adds that the tournament has been sold out for the last couple of years, with a waiting list in place. Teams and companies gracious enough to sponsor the event fill up their own teams, and for the first time ever, the tournament has expanded to 20 teams this year for the first time ever with a waiting list.

With the belief that every Canadian deserves a safe place to live and the support to thrive, Hockey Helps the Homeless empowers players through events to raise funds, creating meaningful change in their communities for those who are homeless or at risk.

“I think with mental health, the mental health crisis on the rise, you see it. I mean, you go outside, you see it day after day. More and more people are struggling in our city, you know, and the need keeps continuing to grow. It’s not an easy time now for people, and that’s really, you know, on top of the funds that we raise here, you know, another very important part for us as a committee is educating close to 300 people today, just on how bad the situation is in Montreal and how much the need is growing,” said Michael Coughlin, tournament co-chair.

“We see ourselves as a fundraising organization, but we also see ourselves as an awareness group and raising awareness within the city and our players,” he added.

Each player receives the pro treatment, including three games of hockey with a former NHL player or Olympian, a personalized jersey and socks, and access to a fully equipped locker room.

Players will also enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages, along with a participant gift for all players.

Anthony Daponte is one of the players who took part in the tournament.

“I work at Broccolini and we’re a big sponsor of the tournament, so we put together a team. Honestly, we raised a lot of money this year. I think we’re over $90,000 as a team. So it’s a cause that’s close to our heart, and we love to support it,” he said.

“It might not look like it, but I’ve played hockey before since I was a kid. So it’s nice to get out there with people you see every day at work in a different setting.”

He says that he believes it’s a cause that’s becoming more and more prevalent in cities across North America, and that if they can do their part to help those who are less fortunate, it’s important.

“I’d just like to say that the tournament is extremely well organized. I think this is the fourth year we’ve done it. Every year, it gets better and better. So, thank you to the organizers and all the volunteers who are here and put this together.”

Former NHL players Guy Carbonneau, PJ Stock, Andre Roy, and Al Iafrate were among some of the players present at the tournament.

Carbonneau, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and former NHL player, reflected on his career and the deep connection hockey has with Quebec’s culture. He also explained how players like himself use their status to raise money for important causes.

“I think, for Montreal, this is a great tournament. I’ve had the chance to play in a few in the past, over the years. It’s always well organized. I think, every year, as they build it, they raise more and more money for the homeless,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky to have a great career and have a house where I can spend time with my family. I’m pretty lucky. I can see now, and if you look around, not just in Montreal, but pretty much everywhere now, people without homes are becoming more common. So, if we can do something to help them, the better it is.”

Stanley Cup Champion & former NHLer Patrice Brisebois played for the Montreal Canadiens for 16 years and won a Stanley Cup in 1993. He also hit the ice at the tournament.

“I’ve been here for the last at least 10 years. And it’s a nice day. It’s a nice day. Everybody enjoys it. We know it’s for a great cause, and we’re having so much fun playing hockey for the cause. So everybody’s a winner,” said Brisebois.

“We all love hockey. It’s our sport. Everybody’s playing in the B-League. But you know what? Today, it’s not about the cause. We know we’re going to play hockey, and everybody will enjoy it. But we know, in the back of our heads, it’s for the cause. I know we’re going to help a lot of people. And it’s a great charity. And that’s why I’m here.”

Canadian chef and TV personality Chuck Hughes was also present, taking part in the tournament as well.

He believes it’s important that the money is going towards people in need, and he says while many events raise funds, this one is truly making a significant impact on those communities.

“It’s such a great organization. It’s a fun time and raises a lot of money for a whole bunch of different organizations, which I think is fun. It’s not just going to one place; it’s really helping out a whole bunch of different grassroots organizations that are making a real difference on the ground and in the communities where they are.”

“It’s an amazing time, a lot of hockey, and just a good cause, helping out people. So it’s great.”

He adds that participating in the tournament is not only enjoyable and a way to stay active but also helps raise money for a great cause, bringing awareness to growing social issues in Montreal and across Canada.

“Over the years, I’ve been playing in the tournament for many years, and I’ve made a lot of friends. And it’s, again, one of those things where not only are you having fun, playing hockey, and staying active, but you’re raising money for a great cause. You’re bringing awareness to a problem that I think is increasing in Montreal. Canada-wide, I would say it’s something that’s becoming more and more present, and the divide between people is getting bigger and bigger. So whenever we can help, I think it’s just a great time. Having fun with friends, playing some hockey, and raising money — it’s kind of like three things I love doing.”

Hockey Helps The Homeless has over 20,000 donors, 3,000 players, and 1,000 volunteers each year, all united by a common goal: to play with purpose.

CN is the premier national partner for the event.

“This is something that’s near and dear to railroaders. Homelessness is a reality in all the communities where our employees live and operate. So we wanted to make a difference, and we thought that this was a perfect opportunity to do that. We’ve been associated with the event for many years before we became the national sponsor. So, always excited to come back,” said Olivier Chouc, Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer for CN.

“If Hockey Helps the Homeless and our organization don’t do this, nobody will, and the issue will just keep going. It’s the right thing to do and it’s an important thing to do.”

Every dollar raised stays in the local community where it was raised, supporting more than 60 homeless support agencies across Canada. Since 1996, Hockey Helps the Homeless has contributed over $28 million to help end homelessness.

“Everyone’s here to have a good time, be with their friends in the locker room, and just to understand a little bit more. All our charities come and visit the locker rooms. They educate,” said Kelahear.

Coughlin explained that since it started 19 years ago, this is their 19th event. Year over year, they continue to beat their records.

“Just continued success year over year. The tournament itself has grown from 10 to 14 to 18 teams last year, and we’re at 20 teams this year,” he said.

Kelahear says that this year, they are now sitting, as of today, roughly around $950,000 raised through a number of corporate sponsorships and fundraisers. They hope to reach the million-dollar mark by the end of the day, and the money really goes where it’s needed. He emphasized that funds raised in Montreal stay in Montreal, supporting a number of homeless outreach shelters they work with year over year, including those on the West Island, downtown, and throughout the city.