Hockey 4 Hope hosts 15th annual nonprofit hockey game

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — Hockey 4 Hope held its 15 annual charity hockey game at the Visions Arena in Binghamton on Saturday, March 28 at 1 p.m.

The event organizer, Brian Laing, began the charity hockey game in 2010 in honor of his aunt, Constance “Connie” Glauser, who passed away due to breast cancer in May 2006.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the community seeking relief from financial stress associated with cancer treatments, as well as cover costs that insurance companies will not cover.

All players who participated raised money through raffles and sweatshirt sales, which all gets pooled together and donated to the Constance Foundation.

Since its start, Hockey 4 Hope has attracted more spectators each year, with between 1,500 to 1,600 attending last year’s game.

“Technically [our game has] been around 17 years, but because of COVID, we had a couple years off.” Laing said. “It’s grown quite a bit, and each year it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

Every player was playing for someone they knew who had been affected by cancer, including Laing.

“Bringing back friends, looking up in the stands and seeing friends and family. I skate for my uncle and dad who lost to cancer, so that’s what I think is the most fun is bringing back the guys, being around them, guys I grew up with, guys I played college hockey with.” Laing said.

So far, Hockey 4 Hope has raised $31,000 this year. The foundation has raised around $350,000 over the course of 15 years.

Visit Hockey 4 Hope’s website for more information about the nonprofit charity game.

To learn more about the Constance Foundation, click here.