Fall Classic hockey tournament at Honeywood Arena

December 22, 2015 · 0 Comments

For the sixth year in a row, officers from local police services turned out for the Dufferin OPP Fall Classic hockey tournament at Honeywood arena.
While the hockey was competitive, the final results meant only bragging rights as the tournament is held to raise funds for worthy local causes.
This year, funds raised will go toward Dufferin Safe Communities of the Hill Country, the Shelburne Food Bank, and in support of the family of a deceased police officer who passed away at a young age leaving his wife and three young children.
“It’s an all day even. There’s five teams from Alliston, Huronia West, Peel Regional Police, Dufferin County Police which includes Shelburne Police, Orangeville Police and Dufferin O.P.P., and Caledon O.P.P.,” explained tournament organizer Detective Constable Mark Taylor. “There’s around 65 players taking part. Grey County couldn’t make it this year but the organize did come down and is refereeing today, so we do have Grey County involved as well.”
Many of the teams members have played each other in past years either in the tournament or as friends.
“This whole thing started when I wanted to get an old group of guys back together who used to play together,” Taylor said. “It’s the sixth annual and it kept going every year. Last year was so gratifying.”
Over the six years, the tournament has raised over $10,000 for local causes.
The tournament relies on entry fees and sponsors to raise funds.
“I’d like to extend a special thanks to one corporation that gives us a substantial amount of money, and that’s Leo and Janet Rooyakkers of AirFX Heating and Air Conditioning,” said Tayloe. “We’ve raised over $10,000 due to our fabulous sponsors and players.”
The tournament always takes place on the first Thursday in December as it is easy for police officers to get a Thursday off than a weekend.
Taylor also expressed gratitude to the following sponsors who make the tournament possible; Shelburne Foodland, Sunlife Financial, Hand Book Keeping, Roto Mill, Jamison Roofing, Pillar to Post Home Inspections, Huron Tractor, I Pro Realty, Optimum Home Improvements, Royal LePage, Verico Mortgages, Hi-Rise Group, Paul Niyor, Molson’s Brewary, Creemore Springs Brewary, Aim Appliance, Abfley Rubber, Andrew Adams, Champs Burger, Shelburne Giant Tiger, and Dufferin Apparel.
“Our sponsors make this possible,” Taylor said, adding, “It doesn’t matter how much they give, it all adds up.”

By Brian Lockhart

Photos by Brian Lockhart
Competitors perform on the ice during the Skate Canada Skates Alive event on December 5–6, at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex in Shelburne. The two day even feature a full line-up of figure skaters of all ages.