The inaugural StarsStandStrong street hockey tournament was a success by all counts, featuring over 30 participants and raising over $1,600 in the process. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stick and Puck

Street hockey tourney raises funds for mental health

Jun 17, 2019 | 2:18 PM

Smiles, painted faces, and of course, a whole lot of stick and puck: that was the scene at the Civic Centre over the weekend.

The Battlefords North Stars hosted their inaugural StarsStandStrong Youth Street Hockey Tournament Saturday.

With over 30 kids taking part in the three-on-three tournament, North Stars’ forward Mattias Urbanski, who spearheaded the StarsStandStrong initiative, said he was thrilled with how the day turned out.

“It’s really good, surprisingly good,” Urbanski said. “A lot of kids were really quick to jump onto the ball for this, and it’s a really great turnout. I think we had about eight teams and obviously every single kid was playing hard.”

Urbanski was not the only North Star in attendance, as several other teammates from around the area came to take part in the weekend’s event as well.

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“It’s always amazing to see guys that are willing to support another teammate like that and their own community like that, where they play,” he said of his teammates volunteering

Stars’ goalie, Adam Dmyterko was one of a few players making the trip from Saskatoon for the event, working up a sweat in support of a good cause.

“Mental health is an important issue,” Dmyterko said. “Showing as much support as you can is a big deal for me. Coming out here and playing with the kids, it just feels good making them feel special playing with some North Stars and coming out, having some fun.”

North Stars’ Marketing Manager, Jennifer Whyte called the event “a big success.”

“It was great,” she said. “We have received a great response and a lot of people are already asking that we plan for this event again next year.”

StarsStandStrong is an initiative started by Stars’ forward Matthias Urbanski, along with the North Stars’ organization, designed to help bring awareness to the importance of mental health within the community. The goal of events such as the tournament over the weekend, are to raise money to donate towards mental health services and supports within the Battlefords and area.

StarsStandStrong raised over $1,600 over the weekend.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1