Contributed by: Ryan Albert, OPG Local Member
The inaugural Marcel Pelchat Memorial Tournament was held on September 30 in Timmins in memory of Society member Marcel Pelchat. Pelchat worked in Northeast Operations (NEO), and was a respected OPG employee and a strong community activist. Marcel lost a prolonged battle with cancer earlier this year, leaving behind his wife and three young children.
The ice hockey tournament was the ambition of Luc Gallant, a NEO Society member who embraced Marcel’s community activism. Gallant envisioned a 4-on-4 hockey tournament to bring participants together from across the region. With the assistance of others, Luc organized the tournament, assembling six teams of 10, consisting of Society, Power Workers’ Union members and management, representing each Northeast work center. Many spectators also attended and made financial contributions that helped raise a total of $2,739.
Proceeds from the inaugural tournament have been contributed to the Pelchat Children Education Fund. Future tournament proceeds will be donated to a deserving local charity.
Fun was had by all. The organizers would like to offer special thanks to The Society of United Professionals and Power Workers’ Union for embracing the vision providing generous financial contributions.
Participants and organizers are already looking forward to next year’s event.
