Tournament honouring memory of Panthers’ Grant Gilbertson being held this weekend in Sooke

A hockey tournament honouring the memory of Grant Gilbertson, who tragically passed away in a car crash last winter will be held at the Panorama Recreation Centre this weekend.

Gilbertson, who was 18 at the time of his passing, was struck head on by an oncoming car while on the way to practice with the Peninsula Panthers in early January.

It was a devastating loss for the team, for his family and the local hockey community. However, the Panthers would turn tragedy into success and capture the 2022 VIJHL championship a few months after the loss of their teammate.

The team would recognize Gilbertson’s memory by retiring his number 26 and by dedicating a Friendship Award in his honour. Additionally, a memorial tournament organized by the Panthers and Sooke Minor Hockey was scheduled for the summer and is set to take place this weekend from Aug. 12 to 14.

Eight teams – many of which feature former teammates of Gilbertson – are entered in this year’s tournament, with all proceeds going towards the Grant Gilbertson Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was set up in his honour.

You can help remember Gilbertson by donating to the tournament’s cause by participating in their silent auction.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on the evening of Friday, Aug. 12 and will run all weekend at the Sooke Recreation Centre. You can visit the Grant Gilbertson Ggm Fund Facebook page for more information.