Queen’s University students play hockey for Kingston homeless

A group of hockey players from Queen’s University has come together again this year with a community-minded goal.

The sixth annual Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament took place Friday at the Invista Centre in Kingston. And while many of those involved play for the fun of the game, they also know there is a bigger picture as they play for others — in this case, the Kingston Youth Shelter.

“We ultimately realize that we’re really fortunate to be at such a great school and we’re all pretty privileged, so I think we’re all just happy to give back,” said Andrew Worling, captain of the Schmelter Melters.

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Worling says he’s more than happy that the local shelter will benefit from the day-long tournament.

Ruth Woodman, the executive director of the shelter, says the tournament makes all kinds of sense as the youth that the shelter services are the same age as the hockey players taking part. Last year, the tournament raised $30,000 for the Brock Street facility. This year, those numbers are still being calculated.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Woodman said. “We receive funding from the United Way and the city of Kingston, but this helps our programs to continue.”

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Woodman says the money will go to help with numerous things like counselling hours and helping transitional programs grow and expand. Twelve teams took part in the tournament.