LHSC 150: Hockey and care through the years

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Hockey heroes spreading joy among patients is a quintessentially Canadian moment. As London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are looking at some of the times hockey has touched the lives of patients, bringing joy and support to those cared for within our walls with in-person visits and through significant donations to London Health Sciences Foundation and Children’s Health Foundation.

In-person visits 

Below are a few of the hockey heroes that have visited patients at LHSC over the years.  

In 1964 the Boston Bruins trained in London, Ontario and visited the War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Team members including Captain Leo Boivin (defence), Tom Johnson (defence) and Orland Kurtenbach (centre) signed autographs. 

In the 1960s Victoria Hospital had a hockey team of its own called the Victorias who played games in the P.U.C. recreation ‘B’ League. The photo is of the team during their second season in 1965 prior to a game against “Defenders” at Oakridge Arena. 

(Images from 1965 Vic Life magazine) 

In 2013, Dave Bolland from the Chicago Blackhawks, a former London Knight and former Toronto Maple Leaf, visited Children’s Hospital with the Stanley Cup, bringing smiles to patients and families! 

(Images provided by Children’s Health Foundation)

London Knights

The London Knights players have continuously supported Children’s Hospital patients from helping fundraise during their games to having players and their mascot, Scorzy, spread joy by visiting fans in hospital. Former London Knights players Aaron Berisha (#72) and Jack Hidi (#12) in 2015 bringing smiles to paediatric patients at Children’s Hospital.  

Members of the London Knights, including beloved mascot Scorzy have been visiting paediatric patients on a regular basis for over a decade. The continuing support of the players once they leave the London Knights’ organization is palpable. 

Dr. Beary Goode with former London Knights players Landon Sim (#90) and Max McCue (#39) in 2024.   

Scorzy also helps promote the Regional Injury Prevention Program by participating in National Injury Prevention Day supported by the Children’s Health Foundation. 

Financial support: A lasting legacy 

Over the years, hockey legends have given their time and money generously to support the care provided at LHSC. The following are a few examples of their generosity.  

Eric Lindros 

Eric Lindros, former Philadelphia Flyer and Toronto Maple Leaf, has continuously supported LHSC through participation in celebrity golf tournaments, and a significant donation with the Lindros Legacy Research building. The $5 million gift by the Hockey Hall of Famer (inducted in 2016) was an unprecedented donation in 2007, enabling the building to be completed. This building houses Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), a world-leading centre for researching, developing, testing and delivering simulation training of minimally invasive surgical technologies and techniques. 

Nazem Kadri

London-born Stanley Cup winner Nazem Kadri, currently playing for Calgary Flames, has been a strong supporter of London Health Sciences Centre. His support includes hosting the Nazem Kadri Golf Classic, fundraising through attendance at charity events, and a significant financial contribution in creating the Nazem Kadri Surgical Centre  – an innovative off-campus ambulatory surgical centre providing patients in need of lower acuity surgeries with an alternative operating location outside of the hospital.  

(Images provided by London Health Sciences Foundation)

Fundraising events 

Do it for Dad – now Dash for Dad

In 1999, Norm Ullman, a former Toronto Maple Leaf and Detroit Red Wings player, and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, was the official race starter for the Do it for Dad Father’s Day run in support of prostate cancer research. He would continue to support for several years. Subsequent runs would see other former NHL players including Bob Probert from the Chicago Blackhawks and Dave Hutchinson from the Toronto Maple Leafs (2007) participate. To date, the now named Dash for Dad has raised over $1.5 million for Prostate Cancer research.  

Sink the Stigma

The Marner Assist Foundation, connected to former London Knight and Toronto Maple Leaf, and now Las Vegas Golden Knight, Mitch Marner has been involved in raising funds for London Health Sciences Foundation for four years. In particular, the FEMAP (First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program) Program has been supported through the annual Sink the Stigma mini-putt tournament and the Marner Match.    

In 2024 and 2025, London Health Sciences Foundation and the London Knights held a 50/50 fundraiser in memory of Logan Hunter to raise funds for pancreatic cancer. 

LHSC and hockey have a long history. From Mr. Hockey to today’s superstars, and tomorrow’s future greats, they have given their time, energy, money and support to improving the health-care journey for patients.

LHSC is celebrating 150 years of care, innovation, and community impact by sharing 150 moments from our history. Join us in marking this milestone by sharing your own LHSC story.