Author Archives: Michael Liotta

The Grandravine Charity Classic golf tournament in support of Grandravine Special Hockey is back once again. This year it will take place at Cardinal Golf Club on Friday, July 21, 2023.

The money raised from this tournament helps support all our regular programs for our special athletes. As well it makes it possible for our teams to travel to tournaments in North America and abroad. You can help make this possible , while enjoying a great day of golfing and dinner.

For more details and to register go to: https://grandravinetornadoes.org/golf-tournament/

Kudos to everyone who made the a sixteen hour bus ride to St. Louis – a real test of endurance. But at the end of the road we were rewarded with a fantastic weekend in St. Louis for the 2023 USA Hockey Disabled Festival .

Our first day was an off day for everyone to enjoy some free time. There was shopping, the St. Louis Arch, other sights, St. Louis’s world famous BBQ and the Blue Jays season opener against the the Cardinals at Busch stadium. The city was in party mode, with street parties all around the stadium. You didn’t even need to go to the game to enjoy yourself, but for those that did they were treated to great back and forth game with the Blue Jays prevailing 10-9.

Both Grandravine teams got started with their first two games on Friday. The action was just as exciting as the Blue Jay game. They were spurred on by our loud and proud Grandravine cheerleaders. Win or lose both teams came away with performances to be proud of.

After their final game Saturday, the players were presented with their well earned medals. And then it was off to the Ameristar Casino for dinner and a little action on the slots. Explore the gallery below for some of the tournament highlights.

It was February 25, 2023. It was a new year, but the old feeling was back at the Lisa Kelly Heart Of Winter Gala. Reminiscent of pre-pandemic events, almost 200 people returned to enjoy a fabulous evening and raise money for Grandravine Special Hockey. At same time we had the opportunity to remember Lisa Kelly, in whose honour this event is named.  Lisa was a dynamic volunteer both on and off the ice. This event was her pet project. Sadly she left us far too early.

Premier Place Banquet Hall came through once again with a delicious dinner and their splendid hospitality. To help work off that dinner, Innerphase pumped out the tunes, keeping the dance floor jumping all night. For that night we could all leave our worries behind and enjoy the party.

Then there was the main reason we were there, to raise some money, and raise money we did. Over fourteen thousand dollars was raised, thanks to the generosity of donors and attendees.

And let’s not forget about those who made this event possible. Thank you to Silvia Rizzuto and her group of volunteers that helped make this such a special evening.

Thank you to our sponsors and donors.

The Grandravine Tornadoes would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

There will be no hockey on Saturday, December 24 and Saturday, December 31. We will return to hockey on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

Please enjoy some pictures from our Bowling Party on Saturday, December 17.

It takes place in the cold heart of winter, but it will warm your heart and body. You will be rewarded with door prizes, a fabulous dinner and entertainment by Innerphase as you dance the night away. Bring your family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers. You will be feeling even warmer knowing that your contributions will help support all our special athletes.

The Lisa Kelly Heart of Winter Gala is named in honour of the late Lisa Kelly, long-time volunteer and founder of this event.

Tickets go on sale starting December 10, 2022.

For all the details and to purchase tickets go to https://grandravinetornadoes.org/heart-of-winter-gala/