In Canada, hockey is more than just a sport. On Friday, it becomes a force for change in Montreal as players hit the ice at Sportplexe Pierrefonds to raise funds for those without a place to call home.
The event is part of Hockey Helps the Homeless’ nationwide Pro-Am Hockey Tournaments, which bring together amateur and professional players to raise money for local homelessness initiatives. Organizers say 100 per cent of net proceeds remain in the community, supporting programs that provide shelter, food, and other essential services.
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For many participants, the tournament is about more than competition — it’s personal.
Bobby Avedesian says his involvement began as a family tradition and quickly grew into something more meaningful.
“The reason why I participate is it’s a family thing. So my dad plays, and I started a couple years ago. And you start with like $400 or $500 from your grandma and your friends, and then you kind of work up. And you really get to see how it affects the homeless people and just how great that is for this society and Montreal and the West Island.”
Soren Matossian shares a similar story, having volunteered for years before stepping onto the ice himself.
“I’ve been volunteering for Hockey Helps the Homeless for about four years before I started playing last year, and it’s the same kind of thing. My dad played, my grandfather played, and I think it’s really important that we involve the youth in such a drastic thing in Montreal right now, especially with the homeless. People are affected every day and we don’t really know about it a lot.
He added that the sport’s unifying nature makes it a powerful tool for change.
“I think what hockey is really about is bringing people together and helping the people in need and using our community for good. And I think that’s exactly what we’re doing here, and we’ve raised a lot of money and it is great. And we get to play hockey for a good cause and it’s going to the right people. It’s a lot of fun.”
The event also draws former NHL players who return to the ice for a cause close to home.
Former NHLer P.J. Stock says giving back to Montreal is what motivates him to participate year after year.
“Super proud to be a Montrealer. The people that put this on are just so great and believe in the city and every part of it — not just the high parts and the great parts, but a lot of the stuff that needs its help. This is just something that is an easy thing for a lot of us to give back to. There’s a lot of people that aren’t as fortunate as a lot of the people that are here today. So everyone gets together and does whatever we possibly can to help make our city that much better,” he said.
Stock, who has played in several major cities, says Montreal’s harsh winters make the issue of homelessness especially urgent.
“I’ve travelled the world. I’ve played in Boston, Philly, Montreal, New York — and being homeless in Montreal is a little bit different than being homeless in Miami. It’s cold, it’s hard, our winters are tough, and it doesn’t take much to get out and raise some money to try and get some sleeping bags, some toques, some warm clothes, and help out the people that need it the most.”
Former NHLer and Stanley Cup Champion with the Montreal Canadiens Patrice Brisebois echoed that sentiment, calling the event a must-attend.
“We have to be here. I don’t know how many years I’m participating, but you know what, it’s so well done,” he said.
“I’m so happy to see all the alumni who came from all across Canada to participate because it’s a great cause. It’s fun to play hockey. We’re raising money for Hockey Helps the Homeless, so everybody’s a winner.”
He added that the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in Montreal underscores the importance of the cause.
“We all know that some people need help, and unfortunately there are more and more people experiencing homelessness in Montreal and in the West Island. So if we can help them, try to find them a home or a meal and stuff like that — I think everybody who is here today knows it’s very, very important, and we’re all doing it with all our hearts.”
Organizers say the need has never been greater.
Co-chair Corry Kelahear says economic pressures and funding cuts have contributed to a rise in homelessness across the city.
“Homelessness now is a bigger problem than it’s ever been, with cuts in government funding and the economy and so on. So we really try to focus on helping people who are on the fringes of homelessness and helping prevent them from falling deeper into it,” he said.
The Montreal tournament partners with about 15 local organizations, distributing significant funding each year.
“Last year we gave away over $900,000 for those 15 and supporting all different types of causes but mainly focused on the youth and young adults and keeping them off the street.”
Kelahear emphasized that all funds raised remain within the city.
“All the funds are dispersed in Montreal. We have partners across the island in all different corners but it’s all focused on the training.”
He added that the involvement of former NHL players brings added energy and visibility to the event.
“It’s a lot of fun to have them in the room, to hear their stories, and they’re just as dedicated to the cause. And it’s so nice to have them on board.”
Co-chair Michael Coughlin says the one-day Pro-Am tournament brings together roughly 300 players across 20 teams.
“Hockey Helps the Homeless is a one-day pro-am event that brings roughly 300 hockey players to Montreal, to Pierrefonds, to raise money and awareness for Montreal homeless shelters,” he said.
“There are 20 teams playing today over three divisions. Each team has roughly 14 or 15 players, and they are paired with a prior NHL player.”
Participants are required to raise at least $1,000 to take part, contributing to a growing national total. The organization has raised $3.78 million so far this season toward a $6 million goal.
“Everything raised here stays here, which is an important thing that we want the community to know,” Coughlin said.
Hockey Helps the Homeless has been operating since 1996, raising more than $33 million in support of over 60 local agencies across Canada. With thousands of players, volunteers and donors participating annually, the organization’s mission is simple: to ensure every Canadian has a place to call home.
In Montreal, that mission is felt both on and off the ice — where every pass, goal and save contributes to something far greater than the game itself.
