Display of Sean Corrigal at the 2023 Chauncey Classic (Supplied)

By Alessia Proietti

January 27

Chauncey Classic charity hockey tournament returns to Red Deer for mental health awareness

Jan 16, 2024 | 3:21 PM

A Red Deer family will be holding their second annual Chauncey Classic charity outdoor hockey tournament next Saturday to raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation.

On January 27 at the Oriole Park Community Arena (5 Ogden Ave.), the event will begin at 12 p.m. with a two-hour family skate. Players can register at 2 p.m. for a $10 donation and the games will begin around 3 p.m. with a ceremonial puck drop.

Norma White co-created the event in January 2023 in honour of her son Sean Corrigal, better known by loved ones as Chauncey, who died by suicide at the young age of 36 on January 5, 2022.

“We had no idea that he was struggling; he was loved by many, but that didn’t matter anymore,” she said.

Initially, White says she wanted to get Corrigal’s friends together to play some outdoor hockey as a way to remember him.

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Sean Corrigal (Supplied)

Instead, she says she received such an overwhelming amount of support that she and Leah Beston, owner of Leah’s Bar and Grill and friend of Sean’s, decided to create the Chauncey Classic, focused on mental health to spread the word that many people in the world were struggling.

She says their first event last year was amazing and beyond expectations, with over 50 players, 10 volunteers, and around 200 people who showed up in support. As a result, they were able to raise over $5,000 for the Mental Health Foundation.

Chauncey Classic 2023. (Supplied)

This year, White says they want to double that amount.

“We need more awareness for suicide; you never know what a person is going through until sometimes it’s too late,” she said.

Together with an eight-person committee, they already have 62 players and a few goalies registered, with the goal of having 80 players and eight goalies in total, as people sign up daily. The theme is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a show Sean and friend Joey Capone, one of the committee members, grew up on.

Drinks, Bannock, and lunch will be served under a heated tent for guests to watch the game from.

A spokesperson from the Mental Health Foundation will be at the function all day with pamphlets for those interested.

After the game, supporters can head to Leah’s Bar and Grill (6315 Horn St.) for some lasagna dinner, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw, an open jam night and karaoke.

“I hope that people learn that they are not alone and to please reach out if you are having difficulties navigating life. Don’t be ashamed of asking for help,” she said.

(L-R) Sean Corrigal’s brother Ryan, father Stan, mother Norma White, second brother Jason, and best friend Cam Monkman. (Supplied)

READ: Red Deer’s Team Alex mental health organization to close as founder battles dementia

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