- Posted on July 15, 2025
WRHN Foundation aims to surpass $1 million raised for local kids’ cancer care at annual Scotland’s Yard Road Hockey Classic
News Release
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. | July 15, 2025
Nearly 100 road hockey teams with players of all ages – including some notable hockey pros – will take the Boardwalk by storm this Saturday in support of children’s care at the recently merged Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN).
Watch the parking lots at the Boardwalk in Waterloo transform into an outdoor arena of friendly and philanthropic competition from 8 a.m., to 6 p.m. on Sat. July 19 – all with the aim of bringing care close to home for children and their families across our communities.
Hosted by the new WRHN Foundation, the Scotland’s Yard Road Hockey Classic is part of a larger campaign to support pediatric cancer care and other serious childhood illnesses at WRHN. Since its inaugural year in 2022, the tournament has netted $865,000 to support kids' care – and this year, the goal is to hit the $1 million mark.
WRHN @ Midtown is home to one of the largest Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) clinics in the province, serving children and families for more than 25 years. Many children are initially diagnosed out of region and return home for local care – but they still face frequent travel for scans and specialized treatments. The Scotland’s Yard campaign aims to change that.
“I’ve seen firsthand the burden on families who need to travel for care. Our goal with Scotland’s Yard is that no family has to leave their community to receive world-class healthcare during the unimaginable,” says Jacqueline Chiarot, honourary co-chair of the tournament.
Jacqueline and her husband, Detroit Red Wings defenceman Ben Chiarot (No. 8), partnered with the hospital foundation to help launch the tournament after their friends’ daughter, Scotland (Scottie), was diagnosed with cancer. Now a healthy five-year-old, Scottie was diagnosed at three months old and had to travel outside the region for treatment. She continues to receive some follow-up care in Hamilton.
As in previous tournaments, this year’s Scotland’s Yard event brings in several professional players and NHL alumni to coach teams, including: Chiarot, Gregory Campbell, Mike Hoffman, Loren Gable, Nick Spaling, Adam Graves, Laura Fortino and more.
Ninety-six teams registered this year – 32 more than in 2024 – a record for the tournament.
Community members are encouraged to donate to registered teams to help them reach their fundraising goals, and to attend the tournament to watch the competition, meet the hockey pros, and help augment children’s care in our community.
Donors can also make an impact by bidding on silent auction items, including a signed William Nylander Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, until Sunday (July 20).
View the complete silent auction collection here.
“We’ve seen how our community has supported Scotland’s Yard Road Hockey Classic in the past, and we want people to know the difference they’re making,” says Ashley Howat, VP of Strategic Initiatives, WRHN Foundation. “Whether you’re playing in the tournament, donating to support a team, or bidding on a silent auction prize, you are fueling innovation, promoting connection and impacting the way WRHN can deliver kids’ care in massive ways.”
The Boardwalk grounds will also feature other activities, including face painting, food trucks, and a beer tent for spectators. Visit Scotland’s Yard Road Hockey Classic for more information.
Images available for download. Please credit: Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation
WRHN Foundation media contact:
Melissa Couto
Communications Specialist
About Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation raises funds to support life-saving care at Waterloo Regional Health Network. WRHN Foundation works in partnership with our community to help elevate the healthcare experience of WRHN patients and staff.
Thanks to generous support from donors, we raise funds for vital equipment, programs and resources at WRHN that are not covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Learn more at WRHNF.ca
About Scotland’s Yard
Scotland’s Yard is a community initiative focused on augmenting care closer to home for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Inspired by Scotland, a young cancer survivor, a group of dedicated friends and neighbours are working to raise $50 million in support of Waterloo Regional Health Network projects that will help children and their families access more care locally.
Learn more at scotlandsyard.ca | Instagram: @scotlandsyard_
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.
Learn more at WRHN.ca
