The event is May 3 at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre, with all proceeds going to the Beeton Ball Hockey League. Money raised will go to a fund to help six players from the Beeton league to compete in national and international competitions.
“With Kevin being such an icon in local ball hockey, with everyone knowing him, what better way for us as a family to honour his memory, than to have his name attached to something like this,” said Al Lord, Kevin’s dad.
In 2002, Kevin was the first Beeton ball hockey player to be scouted and picked up by a Toronto team to compete in the national championships. At 16, Kevin was the youngest player on the team, which eventually went on to win the national title.
Lord won two silvers and one bronze medal in subsequent national tournaments, and in 2004 was on the bronze-medal Canadian team at the world championships.
Kevin was to be the captain of the 2006 national team, but died before he could see that dream come to fruition. He died April 29, 2006 from brain cancer. He was 20.
This year, five players from New Tecumseth and the surrounding area - Christopher Brown, Cody Rhodes, Matthew Carlucci, Randy Cox and Zenon Byblow - are going to the ball hockey world championships in Slovakia. One other player, Thomas Kokelj, is going to play at the national championships in Newfoundland.
Just as Kevin had to fundraise when he went to the tournaments, so to do these young players, and the Lords decided they would like to help out.
Last year, the Lords raised over $21,000 for Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie through a dance at the Beeton arena. This year, the cause has changed, and so has the event.
Al Lord said the hope for this year’s memorial fundraiser is to have something for people of all ages. Doors open at 6 p.m., and there will be an exotic animal display by Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary until 8 p.m. There will be a buffet dinner served at 8 p.m.
The licenced event will be using a wristband policy, with underage people having to leave by 9 p.m. The Wheat Kings will be performing. Copies of the band’s new CD will be available as well.
Tickets are available in Beeton at Second Chances, The Muddy Water Tavern, Simcoe-York Printing and through event volunteers. For more information call Al Lord at 905-729-3111.
