Per Cambridge Today, Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot champions a street hockey tournament which raises funds for pediatric care in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The “Scotland’s Yard” tournament hopes to hit the $1 million mark in terms of its charitable proceeds raised over the course of the event:
Since its inaugural year in 2022, the tournament has netted $865,000 to support kids’ care – and this year, the goal is to hit the $1 million mark. WRHN @ Midtown is home to one of the largest Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario POGO clinics in the province, serving children and families for more than 25 years. Many children are initially diagnosed out of region and return home for local care – but they still face frequent travel for scans and specialized treatments. The Scotland’s Yard campaign aims to change that.
“I’ve seen firsthand the burden on families who need to travel for care. Our goal with Scotland’s Yard is that no family has to leave their community to receive world-class healthcare during the unimaginable,” says Jacqueline Chiarot, honorary co-chair of the tournament. Jacqueline and her husband, Detroit Red Wings defenceman Ben Chiarot, partnered with the hospital foundation to help launch the tournament after their friends’ daughter, Scotland (Scottie), was diagnosed with cancer.
Now a healthy five-year-old, Scottie was diagnosed at three months old and had to travel outside the region for treatment. She continues to receive some follow-up care in Hamilton. As in previous tournaments, this year’s Scotland’s Yard event brings in several professional players and NHL alumni to coach teams, including: Chiarot, Gregory Campbell, Mike Hoffman, Loren Gable, Nick Spaling, Adam Graves, Laura Fortino and more.
Ninety-six teams registered this year – 32 more than in 2024 – a record for the tournament. Community members are encouraged to donate to registered teams to help them reach their fundraising goals, and to attend the tournament to watch the competition, meet the hockey pros, and help augment children’s care in our community. Donors can also make an impact by bidding on silent auction items, including a signed William Nylander Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, until Sunday (July 20. View the complete silent auction collection here.
“We’ve seen how our community has supported Scotland’s Yard Road Hockey Classic in the past, and we want people to know the difference they’re making,” says Ashley Howat, VP of Strategic Initiatives, WRHN Foundation. “Whether you’re playing in the tournament, donating to support a team, or bidding on a silent auction prize, you are fuelling innovation, promoting connection and impacting the way WRHN can deliver kids’ care in massive ways.”
