What if we put together an HMI hockey tournament? Imagine the chance to connect with the guys, raise some funds and share the compelling story that is Hockey Ministries; within the context of the game. Could we get four, six or maybe even eight teams to participate? Would it be possible to get some NHL Alumni to take part as well? 

This was the vision Mark Osborne stirred as we prepared to launch the 3on3 Hockey Challenge in Newmarket, Ontario in 2004. And launch we did!!!    

Five years later in 2009, eight teams made up of seven skaters, one goalie and two NHL Alumni pros, rounded out the field, competing for the coveted cup. The pace was fast and the play exciting as each team played three games, jockeying their way into the playoffs. Momentum has a strange way of shifting in the game of hockey and somehow, the ever dominant team from Montreal returned home, empty-handed and singing the "Greater Toronto Blues".

In the end the team representing Niagara Christian College with pros Kris King

and Rocky Dundas prevailed, taking home the honours and bragging rights for the year. 

We were deeply saddened though, this spring, just two short months after the '09 tournament when our dear friend Peter Zezel succumbed to the blood disorder he’d been battling through the past decade.
Peter was a great friend and willing participant at many HMI events and was an enthusiastic part of the 3on3 each year. We all were shocked by this sudden tragic loss and have been reminded once more, just how fragile a gift life is. Zez, you will be truly missed.

EXPANSION TO BARRIE

We are excited to announce for 2010 that we are launching a second tournament at the National Training Rinks in BARRIE, Ontario on Friday February 19^th, 2010. Graciously, NHL Hall of Famer, Mike Gartner will chair the BARRIE tournament.

The foundational 3on3 Hockey Challenge will also take place in Newmarket, Ontario on March 4^th, 2010 and will continue to be chaired by tournament founder Mark Osborne.

 “We have felt the momentum growing each year with the event in Newmarket and have dreamed about expansion. The willingness of the pros to participate, the ¾ size rinks and fast pace of the 3on3 game is exciting to watch and play.” said Tournament Director Jeff Jackson. “It is such a hockey hotbed and our link with NTR (National Training Rinks) makes Barrie a natural first step beyond Newmarket”.   

Both tournaments are now open to players 18 and up and promise to be outstanding days of fun, competition and encouragement around the storied heartbeat of Hockey Ministries. Registration, information and sponsorship opportunities are outlined on this website in the EVENTS section.