In an exciting display of sportsmanship and community spirit, Hockey Night in Muskoka successfully took place, raising $90,000 for United Way Simcoe Muskoka and the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the Youth Ball Hockey Experience, where teams played in a friendly yet competitive match. Team McDonald’s, represented by Nathan Bastien, Kevin Bahl, and others in white, faced off against Team Boston Pizza, featuring Dylan Cozens, Ryan McLeod, and their blue-clad teammates. The matchup ended with a 14-13 victory for Team Boston Pizza, but not without controversy. After the game ended in a tie, McLeod insisted that ball hockey could not conclude without a winner. With the support from the enthusiastic young players, overtime was played, culminating in a decisive goal by William Mawby from Team Boston Pizza. Notable figures Wendel Clark and Kris King cheered on the aspiring fundraisers, while Mawby’s mother questioned on Instagram who had more fun—the kids or the NHL stars.
In the Celebrity On-Ice game, Team McDonald’s settled the score with a narrow 13-12 win in regulation, which included an intense 16-player shootout and a three-on-three showcase with current NHL players for the final three minutes.
The event was hosted by Bracebridge Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, a Co-Organizer of Hockey Night in Muskoka, alongside Sportsnet’s Ken Read. The Deputy Mayor welcomed fans at the arena entrance, mingling with guests and engaging with supporters during the game and VIP reception afterward. Ken Read, equipped with a live microphone, conducted interviews with various celebrities, including Jim Treliving from Boston Pizza, Wendel Clark, and youth fundraiser Jax Coltman.
Organizers expressed deep gratitude towards the sponsors, the participating players, and the community members who came together for this worthy cause. Special mention was made of Brady Leavold, a hockey skills coach and mental health advocate, further emphasizing the important connections made throughout the event.
With such a successful outing, excitement is already building for next year’s Hockey Night in Muskoka.
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