A heartwarming tribute to a beloved Barrie teacher has raised $1,400 in support of the school he called home for many years.
A special charity hockey event was played at the Paul Sadlon Arena in Barrie in honour of Warren Totten, a beloved figure in both the local hockey community and at several area public elementary schools — including Hillcrest Public School and Forest Hill Public School — who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on August 16, 2023.
The fundraiser, organized in memory of Totten, sought to raise funds for Hillcrest Public School where he had made a lasting impact as an educator. The event brought together two teams Totten played for: The Wednesday night Peggy Hill group and the Friday night Eastview group, which faced off in a friendly charity game on Thursday, Dec. 14.
The match was not only a display of sportsmanship, but also a memorable tribute to a man who left a lasting mark on his community.
The ice time for the event was generously donated by counsellor Jim Harris, highlighting the collaborative effort of the community to come together for a meaningful cause.
Adding a personal touch to the event, each team was coached by one of Totten's grandsons; Julian and Cortez Perreria-Totten. The young coaches hoped to lead their prospective teams to victory, but it was the Eastview Friday night group who emerged victorious with a final score of 9-2.
Encouraged by the success of the fundraiser, the teams involved expressed their hopes to turn the event into an annual tradition. The goal is to continue to honour Totten's memory, while also providing ongoing support to local charities.
The overwhelming response from friends demonstrates a shared commitment to remembering a man whose impact transcended the boundaries of the hockey rink.
