Oldtimers score for charity groups

For the 18th consecutive year the league’s 48 players put on their annual hockey tournament charity fundraiser last week, hosting teams from throughout Greater Montreal, and two from as far as Thetford Mines, to square off against evenly-matched opponents for money – funds, that is, to be contributed to some 21 charities devoted to medical care services and the needy of the West Island.

“I love hockey,” said tournament chairman James Ciampini, who oversaw the Dollard Oldtimers Hockey Tournament from last Wednesday through to Sunday at the Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Centre. “I know I’m going to be at the rink two to three times a week, so I might as well do something constructive.”

Beginning in 1989 with 20 teams, the tournament has since grown to include 34, largely from the West Island and South Shore. Funded by players’ fees, raffle ticket sales, tournament program advertising and generous corporate sponsors, the event consistently raises funds for the Lakeshore General Hospital and West Island Palliative Care Residence, as well as several charities that benefit local communities. Among them are AVATIL, AMCAL family services, West Island Citizens Advocacy, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the West Island – to name just a few. When tournament finals closed Sunday, Ciampini and fellow organisers were certain that they had reached this year’s target of $25,000. Contributions are to be given in a ceremony for the charities at the Civic Centre next spring.

“It’s nice to see the people (from the charities) I talk to on the phone,” said Ciampini. “They appreciate it and they say ‘keep playing hockey, boys!’” he laughed.

Played out on all three rinks at the Dollard des Ormeaux complex, the tournament fundraiser wrapped up Sunday afternoon with nine closely-matched division finals – one decided in overtime, and two taken to shoot-outs. The closest match-ups saw the over-50 l’Univers du Voyage, visiting from Thetford Mines, edge the Old Puckers of Montreal’s West End 1-0 in overtime, and the Bell X-men won their final in a shoot-out after scoreless regulation play. Among the top-ranked 35-50 year-olds, Kirkland beat Harland – representing the soon-to-be closed Dorval car dealership – in shoot-outs following a 1-1 score. Other victorious West Island teams included the 35-50 year-old Pierrefonds and Lakeshore teams, and the Pointe Claire over-50s.