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    Ian Kennedy
    Ian Kennedy
    Jul 15, 2025, 15:52

    Laura Stacey's sixth annual #SitcksInForCharity road hockey tournament raised a whopping $65,000 this past weekend to help kids find their passion in sport and remove barriers.

    Stacey, an Olympic gold medalist and Montreal Victoire standout held the 20 team tournament through her LS7 Foundation with hundreds of fans and participants on hand competing alongside PWHL stars.

    “I could not be more grateful and appreciative for the amount of support this tournament continues to receive,” said Stacey. “From the community to my teammates, fellow PWHL players, Olympians and Paralympians, we could not have surpassed our goal without them. Every year, I’m reminded of how powerful sport can be in bringing people together and creating real impact. I can’t wait to head to Montréal in August for another inspiring day.” 

    The LS7 Foundation, which, as of 2025 has achieved official not-for-profit status in Canada, partnered with four official charities this year to amplify its impact: KidSport OntarioLaureus Sport for Good Foundation, Fitspirit–Fillactive, and Jumpstart, which is funding Kim St-Pierre’s youth hockey initiatives. All partners share LS7 Foundation’s belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to play, grow and find community through sport.  

    Since its inception in 2019, #SticksInForCharity has grown into a summer tradition, raising critical funds and building an inclusive, athlete-led movement to create access to multi-sports for youth.

    “LS7 Sticks in for Charity is an incredible event,” said local parent Ian Da Silva, who participated along with his daughter. “The opportunity for young athletes to play alongside so many of their favourite professional players, while enhancing access to sport for youth, is very special. We look forward to it all year, and it has become a highlight of our family’s summer. After missing out in 2024, our daughter was sure to change her typical camp weeks in order to participate in 2025!”

    The event drew an impressive lineup of supporters from across the sports world. Among those who took part were Team Canada Olympians and PWHL stars, Emily Clark, Renata Fast, Sarah Fillier, Jocelyne Larocque, Emma Maltais, Marie-Philip Poulin, Jamie Lee Rattray, and Jill Saulnier, and fellow PWHL stars Jaime Bourbonnais, Maggie Connors, Claire Dalton, Jess DiGirolamo, Jessie Eldridge, Julia Gosling, Mikyla Grant-Mentis, Erica Howe, Maureen Murphy, Kayla Vespa, and Darryl Watts. They were joined by Olympic bronze medalist Brittany MacLean, Tyler McGregor and Dominic Cozzolino of Canada’s national para hockey team, and CWHL alumni and Sportsnet broadcaster Ailish Forfar. The day was hosted by TSN’s Kate Beirness. 

    PWHL stars compete for a ball at the #SticksInForCharity tournament

    In a spirited overtime to close out the day, Howe’s team defeated Fillier’s team in a fun championship game filled with friendly competition and great energy from the crowd.

    “I look forward to playing in LS7 Sticks in for Charity every year—it’s such a special event with a true sense of community,” said Erica Howe. “After my battle with breast cancer, this year felt especially meaningful. Being able to return to action, take part in something bigger than myself, and win the tournament for the first time made it an unforgettable moment.” 

    “Whenever we have a chance to come out and support our teammates, we’re there. Laura’s LS7 tournament is a very unique event and her dedication to positively impacting the community is inspiring,” said Sarah Fillier. “Being a part of this day is so much fun, and all the interactions we get to have with the fans, especially all the young kids, makes it extra special, for them and for us. The Pro vs Pro game was intense, and I’m grateful to our LS7 superstars for taking us all the way to the championship game.”

    In June, Stacey was honoured with the PWHL’s hockey for all Award, presented by Scotiabank, for her leadership and dedication to creating more inclusive spaces in sport — this recognition by the league helps to elevate the mission-aligned work of the LS7 Foundation.

    New this year, the LS7 Foundation will bring #SticksInForCharity to Montréal on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as it’s Stacey’s desire to serve the two communities that have helped shape her career. The Montréal event is being locally curated in collaboration with Collective Pivot, a Montréal-based, women-led group, focused on leveling up the game for women in sport and the brands that support them. The event will take place at Verdun Auditorium and the LS7 Montréal silent auction is set to launch on August 1. Visit www.laurastacey7.ca for updates and mor