The Semiamhoo Minor Hockey community is gathering together this weekend to honour one of its own – Jordan Tsuruda – who was killed in an ATV accident on the Sunshine Coast earlier this month.
The 17-year-old – a triplet, along with brother Nathan and sister, Savanna – was a longtime member of the minor-hockey association.
On Saturday, at 8 p.m. at South Surrey Arena, a game will be held in Tsuruda’s honour, and will feature players and coaches from SMHA’s midget-division, as well as several alumni.
Admission to the game is by donation, and funds raised will support BC Children’s Hospital’s neo-natal unit. A pizza party, set for 7 p.m., will precede the on-ice action.
“Jordan was loved by his many teammates, coaches and other association volunteers during his more than 10 seasons as a player and a goalie with the Ravens,” said Semiahmoo Minor Hockey president Ian Maguire, adding that the roster includes players “that were fortunate enough to have had Jordan as a teammate over the years.”
Players include Matt Barberis (Vancouver Giants), Ben Evanish (formerly of Valley West Hawks, now with BCHL's Salmon Arm Silverbacks), Jeff Stewart (Surrey Eagles), Jordan’s brother Nathan (Abbotsford Pilots), Erik Bocale (Aldergrove Kodiaks), Trevor Ayre (Langley Rivermen), Davis Koch (Edmonton Oil Kings), Jamieson Ree (Whitecourt Wolves), Ty Westgard (Victoria Royals) and Daniel Davidson (Surrey Eagles).
“We hope the community will come out and help us remember Jordan and the many hockey friends he leaves behind playing the game he loved so much,” Maguire said.
To donate to BC Children's Hospital, visit www.bcchf.ca/jordan