By Tommy Osborne

Cougars Golf Tournament

Annual Cougars Charity Golf Tournament raises thousands of dollars for healthcare

Jul 6, 2024 | 1:04 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Golf and Curling Club saw the biggest iteration of the annual Cougars Alumni Charity Golf Tournament, as 37 Cougars legends teed off on July 6.

“It’s always fun to be back in Prince George. Obviously a lot of great memories here from the playing days and a lot of personal connection here for me as well,” said Dan Hamhuis, Cougars Alumni and 16 year NHL veteran.

“whether you played with them or not, we all have a common goal, and we all played for the Prince George Cougars at some point, so it’s great to share stories. And I think once guys get back and you see how much effort is put into this tournament and all that comes with it, it’s just a great, great weekend,” said Tyler Brough, President of the Cougars Alumni Society.

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This was the eleventh annual tournament, and since it began it has raised more than $750,000 for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, and the money has been used towards creating and upgrading a cardiac care facility at the University Hospital of Northern BC. For the alumnus at the tournament, the chance to not only enjoy a round of golf with familiar faces, but also play a big role in potentially saving lives, makes the tournament a truly special day.

“For me, it, really resonates. I’m a northern B.C. resident as well, and I know how important it is to have good health care close to home and what a difference that makes for people that are going through medical situations and medical scares,” said Hamhuis, who is from Smithers.

“I came here to play hockey. My kids are born here now. My wife is born and raised here. So it’s home for me, it’s near and dear to the heart. Everybody has come across medical issues or something they have to deal with within families or close friends,” said Brough, who was raised in Grande Praire but has lived here since playing for the Cougars.

The cardiac care facility is continuing to grow and improve thanks to this tournament, as the funds are helping to continue buy new equipment and expand/improve the space. CEO of the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation Aimee Cassies says the importance of providing necessary, potentially lifesaving, care for Northern B.C. can’t be understated.

“That’s something that we’ve been striving for for many years, and we’re getting closer. Events like this allow us to bring that much needed equipment to build our cardiac cases here and really treat our patients here at home,” Cassies said.

Beyond the Cougars and all the alumnus who show up and make the tournament possible, Cassies also wanted to say a big thank you to all the event sponsors who help make such a positive contribution to the community

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