Game On Magazine - April 2017 Game on Preview Edition | Page 119

The Champions from Duraco
a supportive community. I
saw no reason why a similar
program could not be
developed or even improved
upon right here at home.”
What began as a summer
program in Gimli under the
auspices of the Rady Jewish
Community Centre, is now part
of a much larger independent
not-for-profit agency.
“Life skills, such as grocery
shopping, cooking, cleaning
and banking are part of the
curriculum, but there is so
much more,” said Lazareck,
who was a big part of the
tournament’s organization
herself.
“The program also provides
workplace readiness, resume
writing and opportunities
for placement within the
community. All the skills
that many take for granted
are taught at G.R.O.W. in
a way that leads to greater
independence.”
And, of course, as it is with
all not-for-profits, fundraising
becomes a major part of the
day-to-day activities of the
G.R.O.W. staff and volunteers.
For years, Lazereck and her
former executive director
Yvette Milner, now with Merit
Contractors Services, a major
sponsor of the event, watched
the REENA Foundation run
a very successful fundraising
tournament in Toronto.
Last year, with the help of
major sponsors such as Aevi,
Qualico Developments,
Terracon Developments, the
Samuel and Anna Lazareck
Foundation – Karyn and
Mel Lazareck and the Special
Needs Fund of the Jewish
Foundation of Manitoba,
Lazareck and her G.R.O.W.
board decided to have a
tournament of their own.
Last year’s event was highly
successful, so the group
organized No. 2 at the Iceplex
last spring – a 10-team,
all-day event -- and it drew
some of the top players in
Manitoba. Besides Brooks,
Zajac, Lisoway and Stotts,
there was Allen Americans
(ECHL) defenseman Travis
Brown, former Princeton
goaltender Trevor Clay,
MMJHL stars Mike Lorange
and Riley Gilmore, U of
M defenseman Channing
Bresciani, former MJHL star
and Brandon Wheat Kings
defenseman Kyle Krzyzaniak,
former MJHL defenseman
Jeff Weselake, former MJHL
star and University of Western
Ontario leftwinger Adam
Stoykewych, and perhaps the
most heartwarming story of
all – Benji Leibl.
Benji is part of the G.R.O.W.
and he played alongside his
dad Ashley on consolation
finalist, Team Benji.
“It was a great day and a
lot of fun getting out to skate
with some friends and raise
money for a great cause,” said
Zajac. “I haven’t been on the
ice much since the season
ended and this was a great way
to get started on my summer
training.”
The other ECHL star, Travis
Brown, agreed.
“We all just had so much
fun,” Brown said. “But the
important aspect of this was
the charity. It was pretty nice
getting to play hockey with
friends and raise money for
such an important cause. It
was a great day.”
However, at least one player
on the Duraco side was happy
with his team’s win.
“This was good fun and
it was great to get out
and skate and raise money
for a good cause,” said
Lisoway with a grin. “But
we’re all competitive.
We’re like the Penguins.
Back-to-back wins.” ❍
SEPTEMBER 2017 | GAME ON | 1 1 9