The Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation is preparing for the 10th annual Kimmett Cup, a three-on-three pond hockey tournament with proceeds going toward The Children’s Wish Foundation and the Children’s Cottage Society.
This year’s event will be taking place Jan. 19 to 21 at Mitford Ponds and Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, where the charity tournament welcomes players of any skill level, with divisions ranging from the fun league to competitive, and includes both men and women. The weekend-long event is known for its community involvement, including 66 teams, more than 650 players, 100 volunteers and hundreds of spectators and community members in attendance.
Tournament co-chair Jason Baserman said the tournament just keeps getting bigger within the community, and it really helps with the success of the tournament.
“The formatting of the games essentially stays the same. It remains three-on-three, co-ed and largely to do with Lindsay’s legacy, there is a woman on the ice at all times for each team. I think what has evolved is there appears to be a lot more kids this year … there is certainly an increase in our recreational and fun divisions and those were really created to ensure that players of every skill level are welcome so they feel that they have a role to play,” Baserman said.
“In terms of teams, we set a record last year with 56 teams. As of right now, we just added our 52nd team, so we’re pretty close to capacity. And then, finally, we have a new banquet venue where there will be a live auction, silent auction, raffle tickets, food and drink and inspirational speeches from our wish families, as well as remarks from our committee to sort of cap off the Kimmett Cup portion which goes all day Friday and Saturday.”
“All of this will take place at the Cochrane Curling Club, which I know they have worked hard to turning that into an entertainment venue. We’re very much looking forward to celebrating with everybody that’s taking part, and the Lions Club has always been a big supporter of ours, so it’s nice to have them volunteering and partnering with us in this new space.”
Baserman also said the tournament will be continuing a tradition that was started last year.
“On the Sunday, we’re continuing to do the Spirit Bear Tournament. It’s a tournament in memory of Dr. Greg Roberts, who was a good friend to many of ours and one of Lindsay’s classmates, that sadly passed away from a courageous battle with cancer,” Baserman said.
That tournament will feature 16 teams from minor hockey playing regular season games on Kimmett Cup Sunday at Mitford Pond
“It’s to celebrate minor hockey, celebrating kids and be able to continue honouring the legacy of both Lindsay and Greg on this special day. Last year, when we introduced this tournament, we had eight teams and it’s since doubled. Our hope is that each team that is participating will raise funds to go towards to the Children’s Cottage Society, which is our newest partner as well as the Children’s Wish Foundation. All the proceeds from our raffle tickets that we sell over the course of the weekend will go to the Children’s Cottage Society as well,” he said.
There are 1,000 raffle tickets available and Baserman said abouthalfhavebeen sold. This year, the grand prize is a trip for two to anywhere in North America to see a concert or sporting event of the winner’s choice.
Baserman also highlights the fact that the tournament wouldn’t have reached its 10-year anniversary without the growth of the tournament and the support given to them throughout the community.
“When we started the Kimmett Cup 10 years ago, we had a few simple goals. Those goals were to honour Lindsay’s legacy and pay tribute to an incredible woman. We wanted to do so in a way where we celebrated her life by playing her favourite game, which was hockey,” Baserman said.
The effort has paid dividends. Since the tournament’s inception, it has raised more than $1 million, and, over the past four years has granted more than 50 wishes.
“I think we’re all very impressed and proud that her memory and these objectives are being met and exceeded,” said Baserman.
He added the Kimmett Cup has come to mean exemplify the celebration of community, togetherness and a belief that everybody can make a difference.
“And everyone has … from donations to our first $10,000 donation thanks to our friends at Totem, everybody has a role and everyone plays a part,” he said.
“Hockey is something that gets the tournament going, but the connection, the friendship, the family and the spirit that exists is what keeps the tournament going.
“We couldn’t be prouder, starting out with 20 teams and now expanding to 56, I don’t think any of us would have expected that when we first started.”
