The fifth annual Pte. Tyler Todd Memorial Hockey Tournament wrapped up Saturday at the Plattsville Memorial Arena. The two day tournament raises money for Wounded Warriors Canada, an organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans transition to civilian life.
“This is an honour tournament for him (Tyler Todd), but also this is an honour tournament for all the fallen soldiers while we raise some money for the soldiers that need help,” explained organizer Trevor Baer.
Pte. Todd died in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan. As a child he played hockey at the Plattsville arena.
“I grew up playing hockey with Ty, and this is a great reason to come home and visit with family and friends,” said Matt Baer, who travelled from Winnipeg for the tournament.
“If we can help one person it makes it worthwhile,” Beverly Todd, Tyler’s mother said.
The tournament has raised $105,000 over the past four years for Wounded Warriors. From about one hundred players in its first year, the tournament has grown to just under 400 players this year.
“It’s great to see so many people come out and support this event,” said Trevor Baer.
“Tyler was very important to us, and this cause is very important to us, so to have people come here just strictly for that there is no word,” an emotional Todd said, wiping tears off her cheek.
Todd describes her son as a fun-loving animal lover with a big heart.
“Wounded Warriors have something called Courageous Companions, so every year they train a dog and name it Tyler and it goes to a soldier, a Canadian Forces person that needs help with PTSD or whatever they are suffering from,” she explained.
C.J. Wilmeff, who served in Afghanistan, thinks the tournament is important to raise money and awareness for Wounded Warriors.
“It means so much to myself, and I know the other veterans that are here as well,” said Wilmeff, who suffers from PTSD.
“Wounded Warriors not only helps the suffering veteran, (it) definitely helps the family which is most important,” he continued.
The tournament happens around Easter ever year.