The third annual Travis Gillespie Memorial Hockey Tournament took place at the Keeler Centre in Colborne on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Gillespie was 38-years-old when he was killed in a head-on collision on his way to work as a York Region Police officer on September 14, 2022.
Gillespie who was born and raised in Shiloh in Cramahe Township where he grew up with his two brothers, Dan and Scott along with their parents Robert and Lori.
It was Gillespie’s dream to be a police officer and prior to joining York Region Police he was a Metrolinx/GO Transit Service Sergeant for 11 years.
Previously the tournament was held in Warkworth and Brighton.
Funds raised from the tournament go towards the local sports community.
The day long tournament was more than just action on the ice. There were numerous items up for silent auction and raffles held during the day.
There were smiles, hugs, lots of laughter and a few tears over the course of the day.
The B Finals were between the Shiloh Sheepdogs vs the Rail Kings.
It was a fitting match up with the Sheepdogs being the hometown team with many of Travis’ friends and two brothers on the team while the Rail Kings were made up of former colleagues of Travis’ from the Metrolinx/GO Transit.
It was a close battle, but the Sheepdogs took the win.
Speaking on the bench during action, Dan Gillespie said it was an amazing day amongst many friends while honouring his brother and raising funds for a great cause.
“It’s been an amazing turnout the whole day.”
Gillespie said support for the tournament over the last three years has been amazing, but it’s hard on his family each year.
“It’s a hard day. There are a lot of emotions going on so it’s the third annual, but it will be the last big tournament.”
Gillespie said there may be a smaller tournament in Warkworth next year, but it will be low-key.
Over the last two years the tournament has raised over $60,000 and with the funds raised on Saturday they were hoping to come close to $100,000.
“One of the things most I remember about my brother is how he treated his nieces and nephews. And that was 110%. I think Travis is here with us today – he’s smiling down on us and he’s proud to see kid’s that don’t have the financial chance are having the chance to play hockey and martial arts and carry on in the true sport they love.”
The championship game was a battle between the Cramahe Firefighters vs the Brew Crew.
Co-organizer of the tournament Zack Zedo presented the winning trophy along with Dan and Scott, to Captain of the Brew Crew, Greg Bolton.
“This is huge for me. Trav and I were really good friends.”
Bolton said the organizers of the tournament did an amazing job.
“It’s all about love. The whole thing was about love. It’s wild to come out at the end with the W.”
“I’m so happy we got a chance to play and take home the hardware (trophy).”
After the tournament was over, the trophy having been presented. The winning team photos completed and with the players having left the ice, carrying a poster of Travis, Scott walked over to the visitors bench where Dan was still standing. In a quiet arena, the two brothers embraced tightly remembering what the day was about.
With all the funds raised and memories shared – it was for the love of their brother.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
