Calgary ball hockey tournament to raise money for mental health support

Disclaimer: This article discusses themes of mental health, depression, and suicide. 

Domenico Mucciacito was 23-years-old when he took his own life on October 5, 2019.

His friend Aaron Klepper describes him having been smart, athletic, and a talented artist, and though Mucciacito is gone, his family and Klepper are hoping to leave behind something of a legacy for the young man.

Through his company Edad Jobs, Klepper has organized the 2020 Domenico Mucciacito Ball Hockey Tournament with the goal of raising funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital’s new Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

“It is our mission to help as many individuals and families who are struggling as possible,” Klepper said in a statement.

“We feel this event is a great and fun way to not only raise financial donations but also get people together to raise general awareness for mental health and the new centre that is being built here in Calgary.”

Domenico Mucciacito (Image courtesy of Aaron Klepper)

All of the proceeds from the event will be directed towards funding for the new centre, and organizers are accepting donations small and large.

A large part of the donations are expected to come from the $175 team registration fee for the ball hockey tournament, which expects to see 16 teams of between seven to 10 players.

The three-on-three tournament will be held at the Bishop Obyrne Parking Lot at Cardel Rec Centre on June 13.

The event will be more than just hockey, as guest speakers are expected to present, a pay-by-donation lunch will be served, and a silent auction will be held, which will include some of Mucciacito’s artwork.

“Mental health not only affects those suffering, but hurts those around them, which is why we are doing our part to help end the stigma and help those individuals and families who are suffering,” a charity event invitation from the Mucciacito family states.

Those hoping to register a team or donate a silent auction item can do so by emailing [email protected], and anyone hoping to make a donation can do so here.

Domenico Mucciacito Ball Hockey Tournament presented by Edad Jobs

When: June 13, 2020
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Bishop Obyrne Parking Lot, Cardel Rec South — 333 Shawville Boulevard SE #100
Registration: $175 for a team, email [email protected]