Legacy of St. George, Ont., boy lives on 10 years after his death

It's been 10 years since Evan Leversage lost his fight against brain cancer. As CTV's Alexandra Holyk reports, his legacy continues to live on in St. George.

Hundreds of young hockey players across southern Ontario are taking to the ice this weekend to honour the life of Evan Leversage, a seven-year-old St. George boy who died in 2015 after a battle with an inoperable brain tumour.

Leversage’s story drew attention in October 2015 when thousands of people transformed his neighbourhood into a winter wonderland, helping him celebrate Christmas with his family one final time.

“The community’s always been amazing,” said his mother, Nicole Wellwood. “When Evan was here, through his journey, but even after his journey, they continue to help keep his spirit and memory alive.”

From Dec. 5 to 7, 21 teams of players aged five to seven are competing in the Evan Leversage Memorial Jamboree.

“I think it’s just important for all the younger kids,” said Melissa Murphy, treasurer of St. George Minor Hockey. “Throughout the community, everybody knows Evan’s story.”

Parents said the tournament serves as a reminder of Leversage’s lasting impact.

“It brought tears to my eyes when I heard Nicole talking,” said hockey parent Emily Featherstone. “Because I see my son, healthy on the ice, and I just know how lucky we are.”

The weekend event also includes a community toy drive.

The Leversage family continues to support the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada through a fund established in Evan’s name. Over the past decade, it has raised more than $50,000 to support research and assist families facing similar diagnoses.

“If Evan was here today, I think he’d be blown away by the impact he’s had on so many people,” Wellwood said.