Youth raise funds for charity in memory of young hockey player

A 3-on-3 weekend ball hockey tournament at Callander's Bill Barber Complex is raising funds to support the Noah Strong campaign in honour of the late Noah Dugas.

"We love hockey and think it's important to raise money for Noah and all of the other community initiatives in North Bay," said player Ian Dinsmore.

In all, 40 teams of three are competing for the shiny trophy, but also competing in their hearts for the late teenager.

"It feels good to do this," said Dinsmore's teammate Malcolm Collins.

"There are a lot of people here."

The 13-year-old Dugas suffered a stroke during a February 2020 hockey game. During the game, Dugas had sudden headaches and diminished vision on his right side.

In March, doctors determined it was indeed a stroke.

In the summer, Noah's symptoms returned and he was rushed to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto where an MRI revealed another stroke from blood clots.

His fight captured the hearts of the hockey community in North America and Europe. NHL stars and Canadian Olympians sent well wishes.

Dugas died after a valiant health battle in November 2020.

A 3-on-3 weekend ball hockey tournament at Callander's Bill Barber Complex is raising funds to support the Noah Strong campaign in honour of the late Noah Dugas. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

"Really the whole reason we started the Noah Strong charity is to give back for all the support that we had with to go through things with Noah," said his father, David Dugas.

Funds collected from the tournament go back to the campaign. Last year, the family was able to make donations to One Kids Place and the Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, where Noah stayed for treatment.

"It was pretty inspiring seeing the struggles he went through and the attitude he had," said David.

"It's one of the stories we try and share."

Besides the fundraising, the family is also spreading Noah's message of never giving up and giving your all for the love of the game.

"Teamwork, be aggressive and work hard," said Noah's Ninjas teammates Peyton Thomson, Jocelyn Leonard, Alivia O'Neill, Eva Thomsom and Olivia Bourque.

"For Noah. Noah Strong."

The Dugas family expects more than $30,000 will be collected when the final ball drops. Click here to donate.