A Community‑Driven Celebration of Sport
Olympic gold medalist Laura Stacey has turned her passion for hockey into a growing charitable tradition, hosting the seventh edition of the LS7 Sticks In For Charity road hockey tournament in the Toronto suburb of Etobicoke. The event blends elite competition with a grassroots spirit, drawing families, local businesses and hockey enthusiasts onto the streets for a day of play.
The tournament attracted a roster of Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) standouts and Olympic veterans, including Marie‑Philip Poulin, Sarah Fillier, Jocelyne Larocque and Blayre Turnbull, who joined local talent on the streets for a day of competition and camaraderie.
Beyond the on‑ice action, the tournament serves a clear purpose: raising funds for KidSport Ontario and the Quebec‑based FitSpirit‑Fillactive, organizations that work to give young people access to sport. Since its inception the event has generated more than $211,000, and this year’s goal sits at $177,777.
For Blayre Turnbull, captain of the Toronto Sceptres, the tournament marked a long‑awaited return after years of scheduling conflicts, while former PWHL goaltender Erica Howe reflected on how the gathering has evolved from a modest community meet‑up into a significant charitable platform.
Players such as Jamie Lee Rattray and Lauren Messier spoke of the electric competitive spirit that permeates the day, while retired professional Savannah Harmon praised the organizers for creating a space where effort translates into tangible community impact.
Looking ahead, the LS7 Foundation will host its second annual Montréal tournament on August 29 in Verdun, extending the reach of the initiative to Quebec’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Laura Stacey closed the day with a reminder that a single opportunity can reshape a youngster’s future, urging continued participation and support.