United Way Hockey

On Friday afternoon, U of G's twin-pad arena hosted a four-hour pick-up hockey marathon organized by United Way co-chair Rich Moccia and his son, Scott, as a fundraiser for the University's annual United Way campaign.

The event involved 30 skaters and 4 goalies and four 50-minute back to back games and raised more than $3,600 for the United Way.

"It's basically indoor pond hockey, so no rules, no referees, no fighting, just lots of laughter and perhaps too much skating!  We're all Canadians, we all love hockey, and we're raising money for a good cause," said Moccia, associate vice-president, research (strategic partnerships).  Scott is the information officer for the Ontario Veterinary College.

Both Moccias are U of G alumni and have played together in the pick-up tournament for several years.  Rich has been helping organize the event since he and Jamie Lally (another UG alumni) established the first fundraiser skate in 2008.  This year's players included faculty, students, staff, alumni and U of G friends.  President Franco Vaccarino donned the blades for his second year in a row.

Most participants also volunteer around Guelph with shelters, food banks and other agencies receiving United Way support.  "So organizing the event to support the United Way was an easy choice,"  Moccia says.

The hockey challenge was supported by the Department of Athletics; Gryphs Sports Lounge; Tom Sevier, owner of Darby Sportswear Inc.; Gatorade Inc.' U of G's First Response Team; Hockey Shop-Source for Sports and the registration team of Sandra Moccia and Mary Visser Kerr.