It is hard to envision the first years when the Kimmett Cup was so small that lights strung between vehicles lit up the ponds as players took to the ice in memory of Lindsay Leigh Kimmett.

This year the three-day tournament grew to an impressive 52 adult teams and 12 youth teams and continues to be embraced by community members young and old. 

Although this may have been the coldest Kimmett Cup in its eleven-year history, there was no dampening of spirits as players laced up to celebrate Lindsay's legacy and raise money for some incredible children's charities, shares Kimmett Cup, Co-Chair Reid Kimmett. "The cold definitely caused us to make some changes to our plan, but overall the spirit of the event was still the same. I still saw tons of smiling faces, people having fun playing the games, and doing good for other others while playing hockey."

With temperatures plummetting into the mid minus thirties with the windchill, it certainly did not affect the fundraising efforts of players and individuals who support the event. "In terms of fundraising, we are getting close to having everything finalized, but it looks like we are going to be about $215,000 raised. The monies donated will be split between The Children's Wish Foundation, Childen's Cottage, and Helping Families Handle Cancer, with the remaining amount being retained in the Lindsay Leigh Memorial Foundation so that we can support some local projects that we get asked about throughout the year."

Crushing their $150,000 goal, Reid says on behalf of organizers and his family; it is hard to believe. "The spirit of the participants and the community that supports the event never ceases to amaze us, I would say. People are so kind and generous, and we see that year after year."

The charities, of course, are thrilled to be partnered with the Kimmett Cup and helping children in need is something the entire Kimmett family is especially proud to be a part of.

While the event is tweaked year after year, Reid thought the new addition of a beer tent for 2019 would flop with the cold weather, but he was proved wrong. "I was a little concerned about the beer garden with Half Hitch that with the forecast it may not be a popular choice, but overall, it did well and added to the spirit of the event with a little Canadiana around the ponds."

Always looking for new ways to accommodate the growth the event demands, organizers are open to ideas and suggestions from the community at large as they look to the future.

Lastly, Reid gives his heartfelt thanks to the players who braved the cold, to the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and attendees who cheered the teams on, Kimmett Cup would not be the same without all the support it receives. "All of them helped in raising the 215,000 dollars and the event would not be the same without those people and what they bring to it. From myself, my family, and the organizers of Kimmett Cup...a huge expression of gratitude to everyone for what they bring to it."

Fundraising for this year's Kimmett Cup will remain open until February 28th, and you can do so by going HERE.