An important weekend of hockey ahead in Barrington.

The ninth annual Cole Nickerson Memorial Hockey Tournament isn’t just about the action on the ice.

Nickerson was one of five fishermen lost to the sea nearly ten years ago off the coast of Woods Harbour on the ‘Miss Ally.’

Organizer Scott Symonds says he grew up with Nickerson in Woods Harbour, and it’s important to honour his memory.

“It’s good for Cole’s family and friends, there’s always lots of stories in the dressing room about him. It’s helps with the healing of something that people are still going through everyday,” says Symonds.

The first game goes tonight at 6:30, with action through Sunday.

Funds raised this year are going toward the Jevon Link ‘Let Your Light Shine’ Society.

Symonds says there’s a lot of people in need.

“Especially in this area, we don’t feel that we’re given the attention down at this end of the province on this issue. The Jevon Link Society aims to help those in need here.”

He says normally, funds would be raised for a bursary at Barrington High in Nickerson’s name, but the family has given their blessing for donations to go to the society.

Five teams are taking part in the adult tournament: Team Cole, the Riverhead Rollers, Boxing Rock Brewers, Lucky Puckers and the Tropics.

Symonds says all the teams have local players that knew Nickerson.

Admission is free, but donations are being collected at the door.

A signed Dany Heatley Ottawa Senators jersey will also be given away through tickets.