Hockey for Hospice Tournament raises record-breaking $611K for local hospice care

2,000 young hockey players took part in the Hockey for Hospice Tournament fundraiser.

Supporting hospice care in the Windsor-Essex region, this year’s Hockey for Hospice Tournament turned out to be record-breaking for the fundraiser’s 29 year history.

According to a news release, the 29th annual Hockey for Hospice Tournament, held from Dec. 27-29, 2025, raised a record-breaking $611,237.

The hospice says this year’s success is all “thanks to the dedication and fundraising efforts of nearly 2,000 young hockey players.”

Originally conceived as a skate-a-thon by tournament founders Tim and Janet Beaulieu, Hockey for Hospice has grown each year. This year’s edition included a schedule of more than 220 games played at four different arenas from across the region.

“These young athletes impress us every year—not just through their abilities on the ice, but through their generosity and commitment to giving back,” said Katharen Bortolin, executive director of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. “Hockey For Hospice is a true community effort, and its continued success reflects the dedication of players, coaches, officials, families, volunteers, sponsors and our organizing committee. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports Hospice and helps us deliver compassionate care to those who need it most across Windsor-Essex.”

Over the past 29 years, the tournament has raised a total of $6,443,676.

“Different families have different types of holiday traditions – for our family and friends, Hockey for Hospice has been a 29-year tradition,” said Tim Beaulieu tournament co-founder and co-chair. “We are absolutely amazed at what these young players have done in support of our community, year after year, and we look forward to our next tournament.”