Northern hockey player raises money for KidSport in memory of six of her friends

Nipissing Lakers women's hockey player Malory Dominico is turning her pain into an opportunity for others.

Dominico faced a difficult span of four years from 2017-2021 when six of her friends lost their lives.

"I'm just thankful for all the community members and all the continued support I'm getting," she said.

• Her friend Avery Andrew, a teammate and captain on the Barrie Jr. Sharks of the Provincial Women's Hockey League, died in a car crash on New Year's Day 2018
• Her friend Keera Daniel died after a long battle with cancer in February of 2019
• Andrew Wilson, who was a high school athlete at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Catholic School and Widdifield Secondary School, died of a heart attack in February 2020
• In November of 2020, Noah Dugas, a 13-year-old local hockey player passed away due to a stroke and blood clots
• In June 2021, Kamila Lebel, a local basketball player, collapsed and died while out jogging
• Dominico's sixth friend was her minor hockey captain, Alexa Corneil, who died from an undiagnosed heart condition in March 2017.

Nipissing Lakers women's hockey player Malory Dominico is turning her pain into an opportunity for others. Dominico faced a difficult span of four years from 2017-2021 when six of her friends lost their lives. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

"She was from New Liskeard but was my captain here in North Bay with the midget AA team," Dominico said.

While it was hard to accept what happened to her friends, she doesn't want to forget the memories she made with each one of them.

In their honour, she started the 'Young Leader Legacy' initiative. Partnering with Wolves Den gas bar, she'll be donating $100 for every point she gets this season to KidSport North Bay.

HELPS KIDS AFFORD TO PLAY SPORTS

KidSport covers the cost of enrolment for less fortunate children who just want to play the games they love.

"The name basically just came,” Dominico.

“They're all young leaders within their communities and I just wanted to make sure that I was still able to have their names be known.”

Her head coach Darren Turcotte described Dominico as a warrior on the ice and credits her leadership to come with the fundraiser concept.

"The hockey community is very connected. What Malory went through, she's handled it like a trooper and she keeps playing for them," Turcotte said.

"To date, we've assisted 227 kids with approximately $68,000 in grant funding," said Dave Mendicino, chair of the local KidSport chapter.

"Malory's efforts and what she's doing, those funds will be put to good use."

Dominico has raked up five points in nine games so far this season.

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"I'm just go grateful that I have the opportunity to do something like this," she said.

While she fought through the period of suffering, that pain now gives her extra motivation every time she steps out onto the ice.