Better make sure those skates are sharp, because the fifth-annual Kimmett Cup is right around the corner.
Teams will hit the ice on Jan. 18-19, all in an effort to honour the memory of Lindsay Kimmett and raise money for the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation.
This year, the foundation aims to raise $100,000 to be put towards Martin Parnell’s attempt to raise $1 million for Right To Play — a charity that brings sports to disadvantaged children.
Preparations for the tournament are well underway, said Jason Baserman, a friend of Lindsay Kimmett’s and one of the event organizers.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but we’re looking in pretty good shape,” said Baserman. “We’ve been blessed with a number of companies that are offering their services to build and improve the atmosphere of the tournament.”
More than 100 companies — including sponsors, and those providing services and equipment — have signed on to help with the event, said Baserman.
“These companies — and anyone that comes out for the event — aren’t gathering for the hockey,” he added. “They are gathering as a community to honour Lindsay’s legacy and celebrate the impact of Right To Play.”
This year, the tournament will be running on four ice surfaces, the two Mitford Ponds and the two rinks inside the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC). With the added ice, Baserman said the tournament was able to register 16 more teams than the 2012 running of the event.
This year, 48 teams will be playing in the tournament. Each roster will also be registered for Jan. 19’s Hockey Quest 500, an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most participants in an exhibition hockey game. The proceeds from Hockey Quest 500 will also go towards Right To Play.
As of Jan. 11, Baserman said the fundraising total is approaching $60,000.
Registration is closed for both the Kimmett Cup and Hockey Quest 500, but Baserman said the tournament is still on the lookout for volunteers, as well as hockey equipment for all ages and genders. Used equipment can be dropped off at the SLS Centre and the Cochrane Arena.
Those looking to donate can do so by visiting righttoplay.akaraisin.com/hockeyquest500.
To learn more about the fifth annual Kimmett Cup, check out lindsaykimmett.org or email [email protected].
