The Huntsville Bushwackers Hockey Club is returning to the ice for its 13th annual charity hockey tournament.
The tournament takes place August 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Canada Summit Centre in Huntsville. The event is open to the public, with all funds raised being donated to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
Remo Campitelli, known as the “King Bushwacker” and organizer of the tournament, said the club’s fundraising efforts are focused on supporting children in hospital who are living with conditions including cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, and cancer.
“We want to give these children integrity,” Campitelli said. “We want them to live a normal life for as many years as they can get.”
Since the tournament began, the Bushwackers have raised more than $150,000 for local charities. Last year, the group raised $2,500 for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, and Campitelli said they hope to surpass that amount this year.
Campitelli said the impact of the fundraising has been particularly meaningful because of stories of children who received support through the Bushwackers’ efforts and have since grown up to lead fulfilling lives. He said some of these children are now teenagers or older and recalled one who went on to play high-level hockey and another who is now getting married.
“It’s quite a nice little history,” he said.
This year’s tournament will feature teams travelling from several communities, including Port Carling, Burk’s Falls, and London.
Campitelli said the event is more than fundraising; it also gives players an opportunity to come together, build connections, and enjoy the game of hockey.
“The idea is that I’m able to put a lot of guys together, play hockey together, get to know each other and respect each other,” he said. “We play a game that’s based on honesty and integrity.”
