The 68th Annual Mitchell U13 Hockey Tournament is set to take place from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10 and this year, it's about more than just hockey.
The tournament's organizing committee has chosen to honor the memory of Carter Schoonderwoerd, a talented young hockey player, by raising funds for an outdoor rink at Keterson Park in Mitchell.
Carter Schoonderwoerd was not only known for his passion for hockey but also for the deep connections he made with his family, friends, and teammates. Over the years, Carter became a key player on several local teams, including the Mitchell Meteors, Huron-Perth AAA Lakers, St. Marys Lincolns, and Stratford Warriors. His dedication paid off when he was drafted by the Peterborough Petes in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection, a milestone in his promising hockey career.
However, on June 7, 2021, Carter’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 19. His passing was a sudden and heartbreaking loss. While Carter’s passing left a significant void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, his family is working to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of community support.
The Mitchell U13 Tournament Committee has embraced this cause, directing proceeds from the event’s silent auction to help fund the construction of an outdoor rink at Keterson Park. This rink, a 50-by-66-foot facility complete with boards, glass, netting, mats, and benches will serve as a space for the community to come together and improve their hockey skills.
The tournament committee is calling on supporters to help make this vision a reality by donating to the silent auction or making financial contributions directly to the project. To contribute, interested individuals can contact Trish Ritz (t_odonnell@live.com) for donations or Beth Schoonderwoerd (kbschoon23@gmail.com) for financial contributions.