The crowd was buzzing and the goals kept coming as the annual Boots and Hearts Barn Burner Charity Hockey Game at the Sadlon Arena scored a record-breaking $605,210 for local charities.
The 2025 total surpasses last year’s $408,000, setting a new fundraising record for the event. The overall goal is to raise upwards of $25-million within 10 years.
Hosted by Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, who also served as event chair, the game supports several organizations, including the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) Foundation, the John Tavares Foundation, PIE Education, local Rotary Clubs, Easter Seals, and others.
Toronto Maple Leafs centre John Tavares, who captained Team Plaid, said the event is always one he looks forward to.
“It’s a lot of fun to be part of this,” he said.
“Events like this really go a long way in helping a lot of people, helping a lot of youth, and the funds will spread out to good charities.”
Barrie native and Professional Women’s Hockey League player Jessie Eldridge, who suited up for Team Denim, said the event has special meaning for her.
“The RVH is special to me and my family because my mom beat breast cancer at that hospital and I was born there,” she said.
“To play in a charity game supporting RVH is something close to my heart.”
Los Angeles Kings centre Quinton Byfield captained Team Denim, which included Kashawn Aitcheson, Colby Barlow, Cole Beaudoin, Matt Beleskey, Jamie Bourbonnais, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Sam Gagner, Erik Gudbranson, Brady Leavold, Luke Misa, Michael Misa, Isaak Phillips, and Spencer Roberts. Carter George and Adam Palma served as goaltenders.
Team Plaid featured Sam Dickinson, Tyler Hopkins, Greg Johnston, Zach McPhee, Adam Moulton, Dan Moulton, Abby Roque, Jill Saulnier, Riley Sorokan and Jack Thompson, with Carter George and Daniel Campbell in net.
Former Maple Leafs captain Darryl Sittler dropped the ceremonial puck. Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey and Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley served as assistant coaches for Team Denim.
Defenceman Sean Durzi said he was excited to participate as a way to give back.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in Barrie — now it’s my time to give back a bit, show support, and have some fun while doing this,” he said.
Nuttall said he was thrilled to see so many professional players and community leaders rally behind the event.
“It’s great to see all the players show so much support, all the donors get behind it, City of Barrie staff, and so many others come together to make this happen,” he said.
He added that the impact of the funds raised will be felt both by local charities and the youth who benefit from programs supported by the event.
“Everyone has been stepping up in supporting our communities in Barrie and throughout Simcoe County,” he said.
“This helps bring kids together — they learn so much from coaches, build a competitive attitude, and develop camaraderie. I’m very supportive of kids in sports programs.”
