The eighth annual Oak Bay Xmas Cup Hockey Tournament hits the ice at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre on Boxing Day.
The event features 64 players of mixed skill levels divided into four teams vying for the chance to hoist the Xmas Cup. The mini tournament features four one-hour games and two round-robin games, followed by a third place game and a final championship game for the Xmas Cup.
Last year’s champions Team Feliz Navidad look to defend their title over Team Festivus, Team Christmas, and Team Hanukkah.
“It is our goal to make this an event not just for the players, but for their families and friends as well,” said organizer Sean Tackaberry. “Each year we have chosen a different charity or cause that has affected the participants, families and friends of the tournament.”
This year the OBXC raises funds for support and awareness of muscular dystrophy services and care.
Muscular dystrophy or, “MD,” is a rare neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
In MD, abnormal genes interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.
To date, the fun tournament has raised more than $35,000, including $9,200 used to purchase recliners for the Archie Courtnall Centre last year.
In 2014 OBXC raised more than $10,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation and in 2013 donated $5,000 to Victoria Hospice and $1,000 for a friend of the tournament who was also battling cancer.
“Tournament fees, raffle tickets and a silent auction all contribute towards our fundraising efforts,” Tackaberry said.
Last year’s tournament saw sponsor support from Kirby’s Source for Sports, The Fernwood Inn, The Village Restaurant, The Local, Budget Rent a Car, Realtii.com, Point Break Development and The Condo Group contributing toward ice times, jerseys, door prizes and a prize for the winning team.
“In addition to our Team Sponsors we had amazing support from many local businesses and indviduals who donated prizes to help raise funds for our cause,” Tackaberry said.
Anyone seeking to support this year’s OBXC can contact sean@kirbyssports.com.