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![\"Supplied](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4008259_web1_TZ-Nemeth-1-0304.jpg\")
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Supplied photo<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Cooper\u2019s father Brent Nemeth said the initial inspiration for the event came from his daughter\u2019s hockey coach, who felt a series of exhibition games could honour Cooper while raising funds for the Bear Clan Patrol \u2014 the organization that helped look for Cooper when he was missing.<\/p>\n
The inaugural event raised nearly $14,000, so organizers kept it going.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s grown immensely,\u201d Brent said. \u201cThe day itself has become quite a task. There is lots going on \u2014 face painting, mini-stick games and incredible games with fantastic players.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019re great teammates.<\/p>\n
What binds them together is they love hockey just like Cooper did. That\u2019s why all funds raised help other hockey lovers continue the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cCooper\u2019s greatest passion was hockey,\u201d Brent said. \u201cBeing a coach myself, for many years I\u2019ve seen kids don\u2019t play that level of hockey because it\u2019s very expensive. I\u2019ve seen kids not even go to tryouts that could make teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019t told. However, someone will occasionally see him at a rink and thank him for the help.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hits home,\u201d Brent said. \u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels good; it\u2019s paying it forward and is our thank you to the hockey community, which is a tight one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brent\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
For more information, follow Cooper Nemeth Memorial All-Star Day on social media.<\/p>\n
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Tony Zerucha
East Kildonan community correspondent\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com<\/p>\n