SWAT team hits the ice for kids' hospitals

The late Nicolas W. Matossian was the inspiration to SWAT players to initiate the tournament. At the young age of 16, he was diagnosed with brain cancer but nevertheless proceeded to conceptualize, organize and implement numerous fund-raising activities for the two hospitals so that other children and their families would benefit from increasing optimal medical and surgical care. His dad, Nicolas Matossian, continues to be a valued SWAT player and is a major tournament contributor, together with his mom, Martha, and brother, Christian.

Prior tournament proceeds (together with other donor proceeds) have been utilized to assist the MCH to acquire a new intra-operative MRI, which now allows neurosurgeons to operate and do the requisite MRI in the same operation, potentially eliminating the need for subsequent follow up surgery. Donations have also enabled the dedicated researchers at Sainte-Justine Hospital to further their continuing oncology research in brain tumours.

The idealism and supreme efforts of young Nicolas of more than 20 years ago, along with other passionate contributors, have dramatically improved the research, clinical and surgical capabilities, all of which have immensely assisted in providing meaningful and full life spans for so many young children, while also helping to minimize the enormous stress levels of their family members.

This weekend, eight teams will vie for the championship trophy, including seven Montreal-area teams and an Ottawa team. Mayor Peter Trent will be on hand to present the trophy at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The annual Ken Sinclair Sportsmanship Trophy will also be presented on Sunday to a proven and deserving Westmount leader.

Further, on Dec. 6, between 11 a.m. and noon, the fourth annual Termite mini-hockey tournament, organized by SWAT player Laurent Dionne, will be played before the championship game. The exciting young players and their families have become a tradition in the Tournoi week-end.

The annual Silent Auction will be conducted throughout this weekend at the arena, under the auspices of head auctioneer and SWAT “power forward” Claude Bismuth, where participants will be able to place their bids on the items, some of which are as follows: • B. Kamins of Pointe Claire: Three separate baskets, each containing $250 of cosmetics and skin care products usually found in high-end spa facilities. • InSport: Postcard brand winter jackets (2) • Fontainebleau Golf Club: Round of Golf (foursome) • Club Links: Round of Golf (foursome) at Islemere Golf Club • SF Marketing Inc: Universal remote control (URC-R50) • Mitchell Steinberg: Ladies outerwear • Just In Time Records: Montreal Jubilation Choir tickets (2) December 12, 2009 • Graham Fletcher- Metro Westmount: Two Fruit Baskets • Just In Time Records: Five DVD’s and twenty CD’s, of top name artists • Reebok/CCM: Hockey equipment • The Gazette: Two tickets to Nikki Yanofsky Concert, December 11th • Madeforeveryone.com: Five long sleeve comfort fit garments • Microbytes Centreville: Two computer-related accessories • Just In Time Records: Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush l/s T-shirt

The Silent Auction will operate from Friday and close at noon on Sunday.

The SWAT players have solicited Westmount retailers, professionals and other corporate sponsors to purchase ads in the SWAT program brochure and provide food and beverages for the tournament. Once again, notwithstanding very tough economic times, their generosity is outright impressive.

Co-Chairmen Norm Richer and Jim West are anticipating an exciting week-end for all participants and, on behalf of their SWAT teammates, wish to thank the many contributors for their support of these two outstanding institutions. “