Kuzmich honoured with hockey games
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Members of the Debs and Team Hopeful hockey clubs battle for the puck Saturday.

Alan Kuzmich loved hockey, and was at the rink several times per week.

So, when 18 local teams gather to celebrate his legacy and raise money each year, players do it in a way the former South Simcoe Police constable would have wanted; they fight for a puck, skate hard and then many celebrate, win or lose, with a beer.

"The whole idea is to have a little bit of fun," said South Simcoe traffic and marine unit Sergeant Bob Eeles.

"It's all for a good cause and the guys have fun playing hockey.

"It's our national sport, and we love it."

Those teams, in three separate divisions, competed in the Friends of the South Simcoe Police Service's annual Kuzmich Memorial Hockey Tournament, which was held over four days at the Lefroy Arena. Organizers hoped to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 for upgrades to Innisfil Beach Park and the Victims of Crime Fund, said Eeles.

"All the money raised is for the victims of crime and the Innisfil park restoration, to get some more things down there for the community," he said. "Every year we play, all the money we earn goes back into the community, whether it be hospitals or a community function."

Although it was a long weekend, with games being played Thursday and Friday evening, all day Saturday and several hours on Sunday, the results are worth the effort, says Eeles.

Kuzmich died after being struck by a vehicle while setting up a spike belt on Highway 11 in August 2002. Eeles knew Kuzmich well, saying the former constable was kind and passionate about hockey.

"Al was a big supporter of hockey," said Eeles. "His kids were playing hockey and he loved the game. It's fitting to name the tournament after him. He was a really nice guy. He lived at the rink with his kids."

Several sponsors donated auction items, while volunteers helped run the food and beverage bars, said Eeles.

Organizers hope to expand the tournament, when it is held at the Innisfil Recreation Complex next year, said Eeles.

"We're thinking about expanding next year," he said.