Oldtimers score for charity

BY ALBERT KRAMBERGER

editor@transcontinental.ca

The 22nd edition of the Dorval Oldtimers Charity Hockey Tournament wrapped up Sunday and local charities are about $25,000 richer.

About 600 players on 52 teams, most from the Montreal area, but a few from Ontario, New Brunswick and even Maine, took part, said tournament chairman Paul Rastelli.

"We usually raise about $25,000 at each tournament," he said. "Over $400,000 has been raised for local charities (since the tourney began). We've helped the West Island Women's Shelter, the Lakeshore General Hospital, Friends for Mental Health — we try to spread it all over."

Funds are raised through registration, raffles, ads sold for the program and, of course, bar profits. The sale of beer to participants is "substantial," Rastelli said.

About 150 volunteers, from refereeing to bar keeping, help make the week-long tournament a success, he added.

The Dorval Oldtimers league, with 12 teams now, is marking its 40th anniversary this year. Most players are Dorval residents, with about 10 to 15 per cent coming from outside the city, Rastelli said.

For more information, check www.dorvaloldtimers.com.