Playing Hockey for the Homeless

Called "the annual fantasy hockey event with a heart," the inaugural Hockey for the Homeless tournament took place in Ottawa, Ontario, on Friday, April 23. Bringing together more than 80 players, featuring both ex-NHL and amateur players, the day-long tournament saw six teams battling it out for supremacy. As Your Ottawa Region reported, following eight hours of hockey, the Penguins topped the Leafs 7-5 to take the title.

But this tournament is about much more than who won. This particular tournament raised more than $40,000, with the proceeds going to Ottawa Mission, a nonprofit, faith-based ministry helping both the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

The Hockey for the Homeless program was established in 1996, and the first tournament took place that November in Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, raising almost $8,500, eclipsing the initial goal of $2,000. The program has since expanded to include Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver and, now, Ottawa. Since its founding, the group has raised more than $2.5 million, helping over 15,000 homeless people across Canada.

For those interested in playing, you can register at the website. You can also donate there and watch a video to find out more about the organization and what it's doing to help the homeless.

Photo courtesy of Sean Berry via Hockey for the Homeless.