Hockey tournament in Cambridge has now raised $1M for cancer research

CTV's Colton Wiens finds out what inspires players to take part in the Let’s Body Check Cancer hockey tournament.

A three-day hockey tournament in Cambridge, Ont. has raised over $1 million for cancer research.

What makes the major milestone even more special is that it coincides with the fundraiser’s 10-year anniversary.

Let’s Body Check Cancer is held every year at the Cambridge Sports Park.

“This is our opportunity to get together and actually do something constructive,” said Kyle Bouchard, the tournament’s director of team engagement.

“[It] gives hope to a whole lot of people,” explained participant Steve Sheppard. “As long as I can play, I’ll be here.”

He has a personal connection to Let’s Body Check Cancer.

“My best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer,” Sheppard told CTV News. “A bunch of great people decided to create this tournament to raise money for him and his treatment.”

That friend was Al Craighead.

“Ultimately, he passed away,” Sheppard said, getting emotional. “I had another team member who has since passed away from cancer. I have friends and family who’ve passed away, and I honour them by having their names on my jersey.”

Organizers said all the participants know someone who has dealt with cancer and they all share the same goal.

“In our first year we raised $10,000 and we had eight teams playing,” Bouchard recalled. “This year we have 32 teams and we raised $270,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.”

“That I was some small part of that is just amazing,” Sheppard added.

In total, Let’s Body Check Cancer has collected over $1.23 million dollars for cancer research.

“It feels really special that that’s happening on the 10-year anniversary,” said Victoria Saunders, the event’s manager of public relations.

Donations are still being accepted.

“Check us out online at bodycheckcancer.com or visit us on social media at Body Check Cancer,” Saunders said, adding that there are other ways to show support. “You can volunteer, donate, participate, play. There’s lots of ways to get involved.”

For Sheppard, it’s about honouring his loved ones the best way he can.

“As long as I can,” he explained. “I’ve got to go five more years [before] I can play with my youngest daughter.”