NEWS RELEASE
BRAESTONE WINTER CLASSIC
*******************************
ORO-MEDONTE — The Braestone Winter Classic is returning in February 2025 to Oro-Medonte. The 3-on-3 charity pond hockey tournament plans to have all games played on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 – Family Day weekend – at the Braestone Farm.
Since its inception in 2022, the event has raised over $330,000 for Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s Hudson Regional Cancer Centre.
Last year, Mother Nature forced a last-minute conversion to road hockey and while the organizing committee is making plans for this fourth edition to return to the pond, they are prepared for any eventuality.
“This is an all-weather event,” says organizing committee member Jeff Massie. “But we can’t wait to get back on the ice.”
Massie’s eyes light up when asked to describe how he feels about the Braestone Winter Classic.
“This tournament is meaningful to me for so many reasons. I have a connection to the land, a love for the game, and a commitment to the cause. The passion that goes into the venue, all the planning, and the work done by volunteers is inspiring. Giving back by doing something you love – that can’t be beat," he says.
Massie is looking forward to defending his title. His team, the Georgian Blazers, took home gold last year.
Sales representative Tyler Leef, of Sunbelt Rentals, who won silver last year, is both a participant and a sponsor.
“Sunbelt Rentals is honoured to be back as the title sponsor of the Braestone Winter Classic. We believe in supporting community-based fundraisers – and this particular event is very close to our hearts. Every family has been touched by cancer in one way or another. Coming together to play pond hockey and raise funds for our regional cancer centre makes this our favourite weekend of the year," he says.
The tournament delivers nearly 100 per cent of every dollar raised to the bottom line thanks to the generous support of Jamie Massie, the team at Georgian Communities, and the community that steps up every year. Dozens of volunteers tend fires, officiate games, take registration, and organize children’s activities among other duties.
“What better way to spend the day? Great people, great sport, great cause. No matter the outcome of the actual games, everyone involved is a winner,” says returning volunteer Tara Shepherdson. “We wouldn’t miss it!”
The organizing committee is made up of volunteers and representatives of the RVH Foundation. Each year they look for ways to improve the experience of participants, sponsors, families, and spectators. Funds are raised through player registration fees, donations made in the name of players, corporate sponsorships, and an online auction that drives significant engagement. Mixed teams of adult men and women play in the tournament and there will be both a recreational and a more competitive division for this year’s edition.
“The Braestone Winter Classic is where good people come together to play the greatest game to support life-saving cancer care,” says Pamela Ross, CEO of RVH Foundation. “All of Simcoe-Muskoka counts on RVH’s Hudson Regional Cancer Centre for specialized cancer care. This event, along with everyone who plays and donates, is making sure we all have the care we deserve right here in our backyard.”
The organizing committee invites interested parties to stay tuned to www.braestonewinterclassic.ca where player and team registration will open before the end of November.
Businesses looking to support the event through sponsorships or online auction items are encouraged to contact the organizing committee by emailing [email protected].
*******************************
