On March 28, the Winnipeg hockey community will once again remember Cooper Nemeth by playing the game he loved — while ensuring others who love it can play, too.
The seventh Cooper Nemeth Memorial All-Star Day will is slated for March 28 at Gateway Recreation Centre (1717 Gateway Rd.) Four games are planned to honour the memory of Cooper, who was just 17 when he was killed in 2016. An avid hockey player, young Cooper spent hours at Gateway.
The U13 AAA game kicks things off at 11 a.m., with the U15 AAA match-up going at 1 p.m. At 3 p.m., it’s the turn of two U18 AAA teams before the alumni classic begins at 5 p.m. All funds raised from the games, a silent auction and 50/50 draws are devoted to Hockey Winnipeg’s Cooper Nemeth Memorial Player Assistance Fund. It helps families in need cover hockey-related costs.
Supplied photo
Brent Nemeth (centre, taking part in a ceremonial puck drop) said he is touched every year by how the hockey community has rallied around his family.
Cooper’s father Brent Nemeth said the initial inspiration for the event came from his daughter’s hockey coach, who felt a series of exhibition games could honour Cooper while raising funds for the Bear Clan Patrol — the organization that helped look for Cooper when he was missing.
The inaugural event raised nearly $14,000, so organizers kept it going.
“It’s grown immensely,” Brent said. “The day itself has become quite a task. There is lots going on — face painting, mini-stick games and incredible games with fantastic players.”
He explained that all the players in the all-star games are nominated by their coaches. They come from across Winnipeg, as well as Brandon, Stonewall, Gimli and the Interlake to participate. Some are chosen for their skill, while others get the nod because they’re great teammates.
What binds them together is they love hockey just like Cooper did. That’s why all funds raised help other hockey lovers continue the sport.
“Cooper’s greatest passion was hockey,” Brent said. “Being a coach myself, for many years I’ve seen kids don’t play that level of hockey because it’s very expensive. I’ve seen kids not even go to tryouts that could make teams.”
Brent estimates the events have raised more than $100,000 to help kids play hockey. He said Hockey Winnipeg decides who receives the support and that he isn’t told. However, someone will occasionally see him at a rink and thank him for the help.
“It hits home,” Brent said. “It makes me feel good that some of these kids can play and possibly proceed in their career with it that would never have had a chance to do it otherwise.
“It feels good; it’s paying it forward and is our thank you to the hockey community, which is a tight one.”
Brent’s thought return to when Cooper went missing 10 years ago. The hockey community responded, and teammates and opponents alike searched for him. He said the effort transcended the game.
For more information, follow Cooper Nemeth Memorial All-Star Day on social media.
Tony Zerucha
East Kildonan community correspondent
Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.