A group of well-respected hockey icons celebrated the start of the third annual NoahStrong Ball Hockey Day at the Bill Barber Community Complex on Saturday in Callander.
Former NHLer Bill Barber, who the building is named after, was part of the ceremonial puck drop.
"You have got to thank all the volunteers that are involved, they have done a great job of putting this together and the turnout is fabulous," said Barber noting the new upgrades to the facility.
"To be part of this and watch these young kids play ball hockey is special and it is a special day and I am happy to be here for it."
However, the father and son duo of Don "Butch" Turcotte and his son Darren Turcotte were also at centre ice. Butch, who has coached North Bay teams to titles at the provincial junior A level in 1976, along with a national midget championship Air Canada Cup crown in 1984.
The elder Turcotte has been having health struggles but his family felt it was important for Butch to make an appearance.
"It was great, he has been hospitalized for the past 10 days and we were able to get him out of the hospital today with some help from some different people," explained Darren Turcotte, a former NHLer and current head coach with the Nipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team.
"He is going to enjoy it here for as long as he can and really taking everything day by day right now."
Darren, who has played a big part in the development of the charitable organization, believes this is a great event.
"It is a great event for kids, it is all for fun and at the same time it raises awareness for the 7N1D organization and generates some funds that can be used within the community," continued Darren Turcotte.
The NoahStrong Ball Hockey Day featured 46 teams, both boys & girls with four age categories including U7, U9, U11, and U13 along with a Team NoahStrong team against the North Bay North Stars Special Hockey team at noon on Saturday.
Right after that game, NoahStrong organizers honoured the special hockey team with a cheque for $1000 which went towards the local special hockey program.
Dave Dugas is the father of Noah Dugas, who the charity is named after. Noah was a passionate 13-year-old hockey player who died of a stroke in November of 2020. The family created the foundation to honour their son.
"We have always kind of thought back to 'what would Noah do?' or 'what would Noah want to do?'
"The school bursary programs are something that has been put together as part of the charity. But this day is more about celebrating Noah and this would have been a perfect day for him."
NoahStrong financially supports many community organizations including the North Bay Santa Fund, Rotary for Kids, One Kids Place and the Holland Bloorview Research Institute.
NoahStrong supports families that are experiencing similar situations through a number of initiatives and programs. Some of these programs include the distribution of comfort packs that are provided to families in crisis and in need of essential items, assisting caregivers with short-term accommodations while their loved ones are hospitalized and the NoahStrong awards and bursaries program that recognizes and supports students who exemplify kindness, strength and leadership.
The charity ball hockey tournament is a platform for families to come together and have fun while celebrating Noah's life and legacy.
