Charity meets athletics as Tigers and Caines face off in the Battle of York benefiting Southlake

January 28, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

In what will be the final regular season meeting between the OJHL’s Aurora Tigers and Newmarket Hurricanes, the franchises are hoping that the York Region community will open their wallets for a good cause.

Mark Sunday, February 15 on your calendar for the “Battle of York”, as the two teams will battle it out on the ice for Yonge Street supremacy for charity.

All proceeds from the game will go to the Cancer Care unit at Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Other than talented hockey, other incentives include a live silent auction and a chance to win a handful of prizes, including a diamond ring in a puck-shooting competition.

Considering the short distance between the two division rivals, you can expect both teams to be well represented in the stands.
Some Aurora residents (and die-hard Tigers fans) are already making plans to attend.

“I’ve seen the posters,” said Juana Willis, 68. “It’s not far, I don’t see why we wouldn’t go…we’re at every game here anyhow.”

“I think it’s a wonderful cause,” added Leslie Chambers, also 68. “It’s something to be proud of as a community.”

The annual event is more than just a charity fundraiser – it also works as a memorial to three individuals that were near and dear to the Hurricanes.
Kevin Lord lost a year-long battle with brain cancer in 2006, while the organization lost K.J. Ramolla in a tragic car accident just two years later. Both were members of the Junior A club.

Though never a player, 14-year old Josh Sedore was described as the “heart and soul” of the Georgina Ice, the Hurricane’s Junior C affiliate. His father Steve is an assistant coach with the Hurricanes.

Josh passed away in 2008 after battling with Duchennes muscular dystrophy.

“For us and the Hurricanes, Josh was the number-one fan,” said Ice president Glenn Ulrich. “That’s what he lived for was hockey.”
Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and $4 for kids ten and under.

Puck drop is at 2.30 p.m. at the Ray Twinney Complex in Newmarket.

For more information, visit www.newmarkethurricanes.com.