Hockey tournament in honour of North Bay teen raises funds for autism support

North Bay's 3rd annual Jack Lyons Memorial Hockey tourney unites students to honour a teen's autism legacy, raising $34K for One Kids Place summer camps.

The legacy of a late North Bay teenager with autism is living on this hockey season, as volunteers and students prepare for an upcoming memorial tournament aimed at raising awareness and funds for local autism programs.

The third annual Jack Lyons Memorial Hockey Exhibition is scheduled for mid-March at the Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens. Organizers expect the stands to be packed once again as roughly 2,500 students take in the action of four separate games, all in memory of a young man known for his kindness.

“When you’re there, it’s electric,” said Mark Lyons, Jack’s father. “It’s so electric.”

Jack Lyons was a 17-year-old student at Chippewa Secondary School who lived with autism. He passed away tragically in April 2022. Described by those who knew him as a deeply social and affectionate person, Jack had a profound love for the game of hockey.

“Jack was a kid that would always go out of his way to hug people,” Mark said.

“We need to be kinder in this generation to our kids with special needs.”

Lasting impact

The teenager’s presence at Chippewa Secondary left a lasting impression on both staff and students, according to those who worked closely with him.

Teacher Craig Nodwell told CTV News that the teenager “had a profound impact” on the school community.

“The adults in the building, the students, everybody knew who Jack was,” he said.

That connection to the school is what sparked the creation of the tournament. Former Chippewa student Jenna Wilson, who completed a co-op placement in Jack’s class and got to know him personally, first approached the school with the idea.

Wilson expressed pride in seeing the exhibition continue to grow, even after her departure from the school.

“It’s really powerful to be able to leave the Chippewa building and know that the people in the building are going to continue on running this tournament and continue with his legacy,” she said.

Full day of hockey

The day-long event on March 10 will feature a series of matchups designed to bring the community together. The schedule includes a game between the North Bay North Stars and the North Bay Police Service, joined by some students from West Ferris Secondary School and Chippewa.

Following that, Chippewa will face West Ferris in a Grade 7/8 co-educational game. The competition continues with a game between the two schools’ girls’ teams, before wrapping up with a final showdown between the boys’ teams.

Funds support crucial summer programming

Over the past two years, the tournament has raised close to $34,000 for autism support. Proceeds are directed to One Kids Place, a children’s treatment centre, to fund their summer camp program, which serves between 50 and 60 children annually.

Gisèle Hébert, executive director of One Kids Place, emphasized the transformative nature of the camp for participants.

“It’s amazing for these kids to be able to experience things in the community that they wouldn’t otherwise because of some of the challenges and barriers,” Hébert said.

For the Lyons family, continuing to advocate for autism awareness services in Jack’s honour has become a meaningful way to remember him. Mark shared a recent story that highlighted the impact of the programs the tournament supports.

“One boy was in Sturgeon Falls, he came home after the week he was talking more. He was with friends,” Mark said. “My daughter works in it, and she comes home and she goes, ‘Daddy, I would do this for free. It’s so fun.’ That’s what we’re working for – is the kids having fun.”

The family told CTV News they are honoured to carry on their son’s legacy, ensuring children with autism have the supports they need while celebrating the sport Jack loved to play.