Coleton Nelson will not be forgotten thanks to the efforts of his family, the Aldergrove Minor Hockey Association (AMHA), and community members who host an annual memorial tournament in his honour.
Coleton was killed in a vehicle collision on Feb. 28, 2011, at Robertson Crescent and 256 Street.
He was a passenger in the car, which was broadsides by a garbage truck and pronounced dead at the scene.
A popular local student with the #10 for his U13 minor hockey team, the community has kept Coleton's memory alive with memorial services each year and through a legacy, the Coleton Nelson #10 Trust Fund that helps provide financial assistance to other young hockey players who love the game just as he did.
"Coleton is remembered as a player who had an unmatched love of the game, and was a terrific teammate," shared Jeff Crossman, president of the AMHA.
"Those who were fortunate enough to coach [Coleton] have described him as a coach's dream player – positive, hard working, and eager to learn."
Coleton's parents, Wayne and Brenda Nelson, have helped the association host the tournament every year in memory of their late son.
For this year's tournament, which runs Friday to Monday, Nov. 8 to 11, will feature a raffle for various items, and a 50/50 draw that will support players of the AMHA.
"We want to foster children's love of sport, their ability to learn and work together as a team, as well as aid them in building lifelong skills that come from dealing with all the highs and lows a sporting season can provide," Crossman said.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, kicking off the season are two games. Games continue throughout Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. Monday wraps up the tournament with the semi-finals and finals starting 11:30 a.m.
"Hockey fans or not, watching these kids compete and witnessing their love of the game makes for an incredible environment," Crossman commented.
The tournament is being held at the Aldergrove Community Centre, located at 27032 Fraser Hwy.
A full schedule can be viewed online at aldergroveminorhockey.com.
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