April 3, 2009, Grimsby, Ont. — What began four years ago as a casual
pickup hockey game one morning by some Niagara-area greenhouse growers
has evolved into a popular four-team tournament and healthcare system
fundraiser.
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| Tournament MVP for 2009 was George Dickson, from P.L. Lights. Congratulating him are tournament organizers Sean Chiki (at left), and Sean Valk (at right), both of Engage Agro. |
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| Championship team members included, left to right, Phil Fluit, Andy Fluit, Peter Vander Hoeven, goalie Peter Voogt, Paul Van Noort, Rodney Bierhuizen, Jim vander Zalm, Nate Swick, Dave Lepp, Scott Holmes and Ron vander Zalm. |
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| Goaltender George Dickinson turns back Sean Chiki on this breakaway opportunity. |
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| Henry Vos (white jersey) prepares to clear away the rebound, while Paul Van Noort, goaltender George Dickinson, and Scott Holmes look on. |
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| Red Team goaltender Jeff Bowman had plenty of help turning aside this scoring opportunity. |
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| "Great game guys!" |
April 3, 2009, Grimsby, Ont. — What began four years ago as a casual pickup hockey game one morning by some Niagara-area greenhouse growers has evolved into a popular four-team tournament and health system fundraiser.
Thanks to word of mouth from the original participants – almost all of whom still play – and some coverage in Greenhouse Canada, interest in the Engage Agro Charity Hockey Tournament continues to grow. The support and popularity with the event prompted organizers Sean Chiki and Sean Valk, both with Engage Agro, to hold the games in the afternoon, followed by a banquet.
They also decided to make it a charity event. Proceeds now support the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre, whose vision is “Children with Special Needs at their Best.” Rehabilitation therapies and other support services are provided to over 3,000 children and teens and their families each year.
The fourth edition of the tournament, held Jan. 16 at the Grimsby Peach King Arena, was the largest so far in terms of participation by players, sponsors and spectators. The tournament fee was a donation to the NPCC. Thanks to the generous nature of those involved, some $4,000 was raised, bringing the three-year total to over $7,000.
In addition to Engage Agro, other sponsors included Syngenta, Chemtura, Vineland Growers Co-op, Hub International, Kam’s Growers Supply, P.L. Light Systems, Valent, Louth & Niagara Orchards, Theriault & Hachey Peat Moss Ltd., Clark’s Agri Services, V&V Agricultural Greenhouses Inc., Scotiabank, Guelph Storm, Flowers Canada Ontario and Greenhouse Canada.
Complete photo coverage of the tournament has been posted to http://engagehockey.shutterfly.com
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