WESTFIELD – It’s just about that time of year again; the 7th Annual Kevin J. Major Memorial Hockey Tournament is taking place from August 8 through 13 at Amelia Park Ice Arena. The tournament will once again offer the perfect hat-trick; hockey, a great cause, and a sense of community.
The tournament is hosted by KEVS Foundation, a 501.3C and non-profit organization, who started the event back in 2011, in honor of Kevin Major, who passed away in 2011 at age 19 of sudden cardiac arrest.
The tournament that started with 12 teams in 2011 has evolved to 30 teams last year with three divisions; pro, social, and old boys. Each team is guaranteed three games and the top teams will compete in the championships on Sunday August 13.
Even though games get underway on Tuesday August 8, the official opening ceremony will take place at Noon on Saturday August 12. Members of KEVS Foundation will spend some time recognizing some of the work that the organization has done recently.
The tournament is played every year in honor of Kevin Major, who passed away in 2011 from sudden cardiac arrest. (WNG File Photo)
Both the silent auction and 50/50 raffle begin on Friday at 3 p.m. and run until Noon on Sunday. Some of the raffle items in the past have included Southwest airlines tickets, Busch Garden’s tickets, sports memorabilia, and gift certificates to local area restaurants.
Although the numerous days of exciting hockey which has featured several Division 1 College players and professionals in the past, many of Kevin’s friends and hundreds of other hockey players from the area and all over, lace up their skates for a great week.
“There’s nothing better, it’s the energy that’s in the rink, that’s around town,” said Susan Canning, who is one of the lead organizers of KEVS Foundation, and Kevin Major’s mother. “It’s grown into this enormous homecoming, feel good, good hockey weekend.”
Rich Asselin, who was a close friend of Kevin’s, said that a ton of memories of their friend are discussed throughout the tournament.
“The KJM (Kevin J. Major) tourney gives us a chance to reminisce about Kevin,” said Asselin. “Being able to share our stories with people and being able to hear stories from others.”
Colin Arnold first remembers Kevin in the summer before going into his freshmen year of high school. As Arnold was just moving into Westfield, he didn’t know many kids, but Kevin was one of the first guys he played defense with on their hockey team and their friendship began to blossom. Every year this tournament arrives, it is a time for friends like Arnold to celebrate Kevin’s life.
“It’s such an amazing event for such an awesome kid,” said Arnold.
Hockey is played non-stop throughout the week and the KEVS Foundation is around the Amelia Park facility providing a number of opportunities for the public to gain more awareness about cardiac arrest.
Pictured are two teams competing in the 4th Annual Kevin J. Major Tournament back in 2014. In 2016, the tournament evolved to 30 teams. (WNG File Photo)
According to Canning, the foundation has been working with Rep. John Velis (D-Westfield) to file legislation that makes it required for youth sports programs and organizations in Massachusetts to make those who are involved, watch an 8-minute video about cardiac arrest. It is a pending piece of legislation that is sponsored by Rep. Velis. If the bill passes, the law would be in effect throughout the whole state.
“Every player, parent, and coach must watch this video on the sudden symptoms of cardiac arrest,” said Canning.
During the opening ceremonies on Saturday August 12, Canning said that seven AED’s (Automated External Defibrillators) will be handed out. The AED’s will be going to local non-profit sports organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley.
Since the KEVS Foundation was created in 2012, 72 AED’s have been donated to schools and other non-profit organizations. Over 1,100 kids have had heart screenings to help prevent them from sudden cardiac arrest. Canning said that the next heart screening sponsored by KEVS Foundation will be at Agawam High School on October 13. Also, approximately 6,000 community members have been taught CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
Susan Canning holds a pair of autographed Boston Bruins jerseys at the 4th Annual Kevin J. Major tournament signed by former Bruin Terry O’Reilly and current Bruin Adam McQuaid. (WNG File Photo)
Another one of Kevin’s closest friends, Patrick Lusteg, always enjoys seeing the impact that the AED awareness from the KEVS Foundation brings to the community at the tournament.
“It’s pretty awesome to see,” said Lusteg.
For Canning, it’s everything from the competitive hockey, to the stands being packed, to the money that is raised for KEVS Foundation; but it’s also about helping prevent an individual from being a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.
“For me, it’s more than just hockey,” said Canning. “It’s his legacy continuing with his (Kevin’s) hockey that he absolutely loved, but it’s also raising awareness to save a life.”
In order to find out more information about the 7th Annual Kevin J. Major Memorial Tournament, go to their Facebook page, and for more on KEVS Foundation visit their website.
