Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic

The Gretzky name obviously means a lot to the residents of Brantford, Ontario –  the small, blue-collar town located near Toronto, Ontario. But it’s more than the hockey accomplishments of its native son Wayne that has made the name famous.

Walter Gretzky is affectionately referred to as Canada’s hockey dad and his commitment to charity is well known across his homeland. Though his support for foundations such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind has wide-ranging impacts, his care for causes right in his hometown is just as strong.

“Walter is an absolute treasure for the City of Brantford,” said Pat Shewchuk, Tournament Capital of Ontario Coordinator for Brantford Parks and Recreation. “I’ve been lucky enough to have known Walter for several years and worked with him on a variety of events. We are purely blessed to have a gentleman of his caliber in our city. He is, in my opinion, our hometown hero without a doubt.”

Among the many Brantford-area charitable events he supports is the Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament, set for June 5-9 at the Ball Hockey International venue in Brantford. Now in its third year, the event aims to raise funds for the Brantford Sports Facilities Infrastructure Legacy Fund, which replaces and refurbishes aging youth and adult sports facilities and infrastructure in the area.

“When we decided that we wanted to hold a special event, we knew we would go to Walter and ask him if we could use his name,” Shewchuk said. “He was intrigued by the idea and, of course, always supports our community, so he said absolutely and Wally’s been on board since day one. The first year of the tournament he was there every single day, signing autographs and taking pictures. He’s a tireless person and so generous with his time and the commitments we ask of him. He is such a giving individual, for sure.”

Between the Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament and a Brantford day at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game – in addition to support from local sponsors, such as SC Johnson – more than $40,000 has been raised for the Legacy Fund. With the growth of the Street Hockey Tournament, that number is expected to increase. The tournament, which features both youth and adult categories, has drawn participants from as far away as Sarnia and all throughout Southern Ontario.

Organizers anticipate a bit of extra attention at this year’s event, thanks in part to participation from Hollywood producer, director, screenwriter, actor and comic book writer Kevin Smith. The man behind pop films such as Clerks and Chasing Amy and known for his role as “Silent Bob” has entered a team of celebrities in the tournament, including the counterpart to Silent Bob, Jay (Jason Mewes).

“It’s increased the visibility of the tournament,” Shewchuk said. “Our goal has always been – my vision personally and others on our committee – that the Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament can be a signature event for the City of Brantford. I believe down the road people from all over will come to this. I think this year is a kick start, to where if people are only coming to see Kevin, but then they see everything else that’s going on in the tournament and say ‘This was such a good event I think I’m going to register a team next year.’”

In addition to the more than 70 teams competing, the event features an exhibition from the Hockey Hall of Fame, performances by Guinness Book of World Records stilt walker Doug Hunt, music provided by Brantford-area bands, a Guitar Hero contest and a mini rink for the youngest in attendance. A Silent Auction is also planned, featuring signed memorabilia from Wayne and Kevin, along with a variety of other items donated by local businesses.

Click here to learn more about this year’s tournament.

Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic

By Ed O’Leary, BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR

BRANTFORD – Jordan Szoke is the biggest star in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. The 29-year-old from Brantford is a four-time Canadian champion and heavily favoured to capture his fifth crown this summer.

However, Szoke, who is also a two-time Pro 600 Series champion, doesn’t consider himself a celebrity from the world of sports when he’s walking or cruising around his hometown streets.

“It’s an honour to be celebrated in the community as a celebrity,” Szoke said at the Brantford Golf and Country Club where he played as a celebrity in the annual Walter Gretzky/CNIB Charity Celebrity Auction and Golf Classic.

“That’s a cool thing. I love supporting Wally and it’s a great cause. It reminds me of my father (Bob). He (Walter) is a big supporter for Wayne and my father has been just as big a supporter for me.”

The tournament committee voted Szoke as the winner of this year’s Award of Merit for his contributions to success of the tournament.

Szoke couldn’t play in the tournament last year because he’d suffered an injury racing and his arm was in a sling but he still showed up and rode around the course in a cart with a foursome

“It’s such a good run event,” Szoke said. “I’ve been to a few of these (charity tournaments) and the staff they have here is fantastic.”

Szoke noted that he was in “shock” to receive such a prestigious award.

“It’s an honour and I’m in good company,” said Szoke, noting that previous winners include the Gretzkys (Walter and Wayne), Olympian Kevin Sullivan and former NHLers Doug Jarvis and Chris Gratton.

“When you receive things like that it’s a bit of a weird feeling. I’m just trying to go out and win races and do my job so when you receive awards like that outside of racing, it’s shocking because you don’t expect it.”

Szoke is on the verge of setting several Canadian records in his own sport but trying not to pay attention to all the hype surrounding him at upcoming events such as this weekend’s doubleheader at Mosport near Bowmanville.

“All I’m trying to do is win races and as soon as I win a race I want to win another race,” said the Canadian Kawasaki Motors factory rider, who leads the Superbike and Pro 600 standings into the races Saturday and Sunday.

“Mosport is my favourite track,” Szoke said. “It’s my home race and I’m definitely the fan favourite. It (being the fan favourite) gives you a boost of confidence and you want to win for your fans.”