‘Hockey Helps the Homeless’ is hoping for another knock-out year. The event brings professional players from across Canada and the U.S. to the ice to combat homelessness. Former NHL player John Scott says he’s excited to be back in Nova Scotia. “Anytime I get a chance to come out east, I jump at it because the people, the environment, the city, everything is just top notch. It’s nice to see people coming together for a good cause, to raise money for people who can’t raise it for themselves,” he says. “The most fun for me honestly is draft night tonight. I get to meet the teams, meet everybody involved, meet some of the people who are affected and get the benefit of this tournament and have some beers and have some fun.” Since the tournament started in 2018, over $1 million has been donated to VETS Canada and Adsum for Women and Children. This year, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has been added to the list. “Hockey Helps the Homeless reached out to us to see if we would be looking to come on board as one of the extra charities. And obviously, we were thrilled that they thought of us,” says Cherry Laxton, chief operating officer. Souls Harbour provides countless meals to those in need across the Maritimes. “We also provide women and children’s programs. We provide addiction recovery services and a mobile service to reach out to those who are right in our community living outdoors,” says Laxton. “The biggest benefit to an event like this is not only the funds raised, but also the impact of the PR and all of the hype it creates…. the benefit for the guests that we serve and the people who are homeless on the streets is huge.” It may be for a good cause, but attendees can still expect a competitive game. “I’ve done a few of these events and I’m always kind of surprised. Something about hockey draws people in,” says participant and former professional hockey player Darian Hatcher. The puck drops at RBC centre in Dartmouth at 8 a.m. on Friday. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
