Malory Dominico will be scoring again for a good cause in 2024-25.
Last year, the star forward on the Nipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team netted 14 goals along with 12 assists totalling 26 points in only 24 games.
Dominico and the Lakers host Toronto Metropolitan University in their home opener at North Bay Memorial Gardens at 6 p.m. Friday night.
She was scoring for a cause and in memory of a group of half a dozen friends who passed away during a span of four years as she created the Young Leader Legacy.
"As some may know, between 2017 - 2021 I have lost six friends who made a significant impact on my life," explained Dominico.
"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. With this said, I have teamed up with Wolves Den Gas Bar + Canco #711, who will be sponsoring me $100 per point I achieve this season."
See related: Dominico goal scoring fundraiser an inspiring success
While raising $2600 last year was rewarding, Dominico wants to do more this year and her generous sponsors have kicked in again.
"I am very grateful and thankful to say that with the support of Wolves Den Gas Bar + Canco #711 once again, they will be sponsoring me $100 per point this season with all proceeds being donated to KidSport North Bay in remembrance of my friends who have passed away," she said.
"I will be playing for them each and every game," she said.
The donations will be going to the KidSport Foundation in the names of my six friends. The KidSport foundation provides young athletes under the age of 18 a chance to play their sport.
Dominico lost these 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.
