Community comes together in memory of local soldier

John Tapley, London Free Press

PLATTSVILLE – You only have to look at the framed hockey jersey hanging in the Plattsville arena in memory of Pte. Tyler W. Todd to see that community and service were important to him.

Sporting Todd’s hockey number 21, the camouflage sweater is adorned with Bright volunteer firefighter, Plattsville Minor Hockey, Bright Mulisha hockey team and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) patches – symbolizing his many contributions.

The jersey was presented to Todd’s family, including his mother, Bev, and father, Bryan, during the third annual Pte. Tyler W. Todd memorial three-on-three co-ed hockey tournament on Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30.

A native of Bright, Ont., Todd was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in April 2010 while serving in Afghanistan with 11 Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. The 26-year-old soldier was the 142nd of 158 Canadian combat deaths during the mission that began in 2002.

In the wake of his death, Todd’s family and friends founded the three-on-three co-ed hockey tournament fundraiser in his memory. In doing so, they brought together three things Todd was passionate about – hockey, community and helping others.

“Tons of Tyler’s friends come and we reminisce,” Bev Todd said. “It means a lot to our family.”

Besides people getting together and enjoying some hockey, the event is a fundraiser for Wounded Warriors – a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Forces members who have been wounded or injured in the armed forces since 1990. Assisting with mental health issues among returning service personnel is a large part of the organization’s mandate.

Wounded Warriors founder Capt. Wayne Johnson was among those on hand for the tournament’s opening ceremonies on Friday, which included a colour party, bagpiper and bugler from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50 in Kitchener.

So far, the tournament has generated $25,000 for Wounded Warriors, including $10,000 in 2011 and $15,000 in 2012. The amount raised this year is still to be determined, but the event has continued to grow.

More than 180 people paid a $60 entry fee to play in the tournament this year, which is up from about 140 last year.

Money was also raised through a silent auction, which included hundreds of items donated by groups, businesses and individuals. Merchandise up for bid included everything from a large barbecue to a selection of autographed NHL memorabilia.

Spectators crowded the arena during the event and were entertained by several live bands.

Upstairs at the arena, Cambridge-based artist Dave Sopha had a copy of his painting Portraits of Honour on display, featuring the faces of all 158 Canadians who have been killed in Afghanistan. Separate portraits, created by Sopha, of the 54 military personnel from Ontario who have died, were also placed around the room.

“This little community has been amazing,” said Sopha, who has travelled coast to coast across Canada with Portraits of Honour. “I just can’t believe the response and overwhelming support for Tyler Todd and his family. It’s wonderful.”

The tournament isn’t about competition, said Trevor Baer, a friend of Todd’s since childhood who helps co-ordinate the charity hockey tournament in his memory. In fact, some of the participants this year were playing hockey for the first time in their lives.

“You don’t need to be a hockey player to participate in this,” Baer said. “It’s fun, not competitive.”

He said the tournament has received support from people who didn’t know Todd and he thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

Todd would be amazed at all the support, Baer said. And that’s a big part of what the tournament is all about.

“It’s to honour Tyler and who he was – a great, do anything for you, cheerful guy.”

www.lfpress.com/2013/03/31/bright-community-comes-together-in-memory-of-local-soldier