Malory Dominico has found a very unique way to deal with loss.
In only a four-year span, Dominico lost six friends to various tragedies.
- In 2017, it was minor hockey teammate Alex Corneil who died due to an undiagnosed heart condition.
- In January of 2018, her friend Avery Andrew, a teammate on the Barrie Jr. Sharks of the Provincial Women's Hockey League, died in a car accident on New Year's Day.
- In February of 2019, her friend Keera Daniel lost her long battle with cancer.
- In September of 2020, Andrew Wilson, who was a high school athlete at Scollard Hall and Widdifield, died of a heart attack.
- In November of 2020, Noah Dugas, a 13-year-old local hockey player passed away due to a stroke.
- In June of 2021, Kamila Lebel, a local basketball player, collapsed and died while out jogging.
That news could really take its toll on someone regardless if they are young or old. However, Dominico has decided to do something inspirational with it.
The 22-year-old hockey player with the Nipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team has created a unique new foundation called the "Young Leader Legacy," to raise money in the names of those she has lost.
"As some may know, between 2017 and 2021 I have lost six friends who made a significant impact on my life," she said.
"Grieving the loss of a friend never gets easier. I have always wanted to find a way in which I could make sure both their names and legacies live on."
To honour those she has lost, Dominico, through sponsorship, is donating $100 for every point she gets this season to the KidSport Foundation here in North Bay.
"The donations will be going to the KidSport Foundation in the names of my six friends," said Dominico.
"The KidSport foundation provides young athletes under the age of 18 a chance to play their sport."
Brian Young and Lorie Restoule-Young, owners of the Wolves Den Gas Bar have stepped up to support and sponsor the initiative. The local couple whose daughter Melanie played hockey with Malory at Nipissing University, were compelled to help once Malory shared the idea behind her unique cause.
"When she told me the story of what she was doing, I was like 100 per cent on board," said Lorie.
"I thought for a young person like Malory to go through so much loss at such a young age, not just looking at the young ones who have passed but the ones who are left behind to have to figure this out and she's still successful and wanting to give back."
So far, Dominico has two goals and one assist in four games this season with the Lakers in her season that includes this new inspirational cause.
"I am very grateful for this opportunity and having the support from others around me. No matter what happens, I will be playing for them each and every game."
