As an athlete, as a coach, as a person, as a family member, Ryan Crowther was someone you could count on.
“He was a guy who would come to your aid if you needed him. He was always there for you,” said Jeff Hopkins.
Hopkins and Crowther grew up playing minor hockey in Orillia, forging a bond that went well beyond the hockey rink.
But, as often happens, they drifted apart.
After they played Jr. A hockey together with the Couchiching Terriers, they went their separate ways as they chased their hockey dreams.
However, they both later found themselves back in Orillia, raising their respective families and they rekindled their friendship on a whole new level.
When Crowther unexpectedly died in 2016 as a result of a heart attack while in Chicago, where he was coaching a North Central Predators AAA hockey team competing in a tournament there, it was a heartbreaking blow to his wife and young children.
His death, at the age of 37, reverberated throughout the hockey world.
The demise of his friend hit Hopkins hard. He wanted something good, somehow, to come from the shocking and untimely death.
He decided to host a golf tournament in Crowther’s honour - it would be an opportunity for his friends and teammates to get together and remember the player and the family man he became.
However, Hopkins knew it had to be more than that. So, it became a fundraiser to help pay for underprivileged kids to play the sports that defined Crowther’s life.
This year will be the third annual Ryan Crowther Memorial Golf Tournament. It is set for July 12 at Lake St. George Golf Club.
Once again, proceeds will be put into an education fund for Ryan’s children and to sponsor a young athlete who would otherwise be unable to play AAA hockey with the Predators, minor hockey in Orillia and minor lacrosse in Orillia; Crowther played and coached for all three organizations.
Hopkins recalled how a youngster came to his attention last year; his family was struggling and unable to pay for him to play minor hockey.
“When we were able to step in and pay for his registration, that kid was just so thankful and so happy,” said Hopkins, adding Rob Blasdell of Second Century Source for Sports also stepped up to provide some hockey equipment for the boy.
“Ryan was always giving of himself … I think this is something he would be proud of.”
Some proceeds from the tournament will also be given to Concussion North in Barrie and Orillia Sports Medicine to improve concussion awareness and treatment options.
“Ryan suffered from post-concussion syndrome,” said Hopkins. “He really struggled the last few years and, as part of this initiative, we are hoping to raise awareness about this problem because it can happen to anyone.”
It’s not too late to get involved in this year's tournament - as a golfer, diner or sponsor.
Hopkins said this year’s event is being catered by “the cooking butcher”, Randy Beard, who will be providing all the food.
The cost of the tournament is $500 per foursome or $125 per golfer. The fee includes lunch, green fees, carts, and dinner.
If you would like to play in the tournament, click here.
If you are unable to golf, but would like to attend the dinner please complete the dinner only form.
If you are interested in donating any prizes for a silent auction, sponsoring a hole, or volunteering your time in some capacity, please contact Jeff Hopkins at [email protected]
