Affectionately known as the “Heart League”, Special Hockey International has grown from two players on its first team in 1970, The Grandravine Tornadoes (the tournament’s host team) to today, with 2,500 athletes playing in Canada, the United States and England. Ranging in ages five through 55, these remarkable hockey players affected with Autism, Down syndrome, Aspergers, or other developmental challenges, male and female — all play together.

Jake’s House for Children with Autism is proud to support the Jim Gregory Friendship Tournament and to be a sister charity to SHI. SHI and Jake’s House provide opportunities for children with Autism and other developmental challenges to partake in typical childhood experiences, understanding the importance of making friends and sharing life affirming moments with their families.

Tournament namesake, NHL Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations, Jim Gregory has brought together the entire hockey world including the CHL, the GTHL, the NHL Alumni and the Hockey Hall of Fame along with Jake’s House for Children with Autism, all in support of this event.