U18 Canadians included in ceremony at renamed Kozar Christmas Classic in KCMHA

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

When former Fort Frances resident Kevin Kozar passed away last June, it was a blow to the KC Minor Hockey Association in Thunder Bay. This year, they renamed their pre-Christmas hockey tournament after the association’s former president.

The tournament had long been referred to as the KC Christmas Classic but after the sudden passing of the dedicated father, coach and volunteer the decision was made to rename the tournament in his honour.

Ahead of the tournament KC Minor Hockey in Thunder Bay posted the following about the late volunteer.

“Kevin had a profound impact on minor hockey in Thunder Bay, first as a hockey Dad, then as a coach, manager, and executive. His loss has been felt throughout our rinks this season, but more importantly, in the home he shared with Amy, Charlie, Harry, and Miles,” the association wrote.

“We ask you to join us over the next four days, in honouring Kevin’s memory the best way we know how – by hosting the biggest and best edition of the tournament that he helped build, and one that always remained special to him.”

The Fort Frances U18 Canadians were invited to take part in a ceremonial faceoff against the KC Sabres U18 team. The Canadians were included because Fort Frances is where Kevin learned to love hockey.

The two players participating in the faceoff were Ben Weilinga from Fort Frances and Paul Nixon from the KC Sabres. Both players’ families had close ties with the Kozar family through their parents, who are friends with the Kozar family.

Fort Frances would go on to win the game 3-1.

Ahead of the puck drop, words were shared about Kozar’s dedication.

“Kevin did everything in his power to help kids that were new to hockey or Thunder Bay enjoy Minor Hockey, often from his own bank account,” they said.