Joey Brochey Memorial Hockey Game back for year 2

Event, which benefits scholarship fund, had success in debut; looking to expand

By David Yarger

Tribune Editor

Last year, Jordan Fox, a graduate of North Tonawanda High School, went above and beyond to set up a fundraiser and hockey game in the memory of Joey Brochey. Fox recently announced the game will make a return for year two from 3-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, at Hockey Outlet, 3385 Niagara Falls Blvd.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Joey Brochey Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Brochey, a graduate of NTHS and a varsity hockey player, lost his life in April 2016, after a motorcycle accident. From then on, Fox said he looked for ways to honor Brochey and the idea for a hockey game and scholarship fund came from a class project.

"This was something I've always wanted to do, but this year I received a project in a class at school that opened the door. I thought 'what other way to remember Joe in a positive way then bringing people together to do the thing he loved most,' play hockey.

"The problem was an event like this would cost some serious money. I began reaching out to rinks, officials and businesses to help sponsor the event. We asked these places to donate either money, ice time or officials and in exchange we offered brand awareness along with other things. I met with some guys who really wanted to help out and they began to sponsor or do whatever they could to help me out. From there, everything fell into place," Fox said.

Last year, two $500 scholarships were awarded to two North Tonawanda High School senior hockey players. This year, Fox said, the scholarship will be open to North Tonawanda High School senior athletes, not just hockey players.

After last year’s event, Fox said the turnout reflected on how much Brochey was loved by many.

“The generosity and support that we have received from family and friends has been incredible. It is a direct reflection of how Joey was as a person and the relationships he has built. Joey was genuine, humble and kind and that is exactly the kind of support we have received from everyone. It's truly great to see,” Fox said.

Describing Brochey, Fox said, "Joey lived a very humble and kind lifestyle. He seemed to be great at everything he tried and was usually successful with them on his first try. One thing Joey was great at was hockey. He played from the time he was small and carried his passion into his adult life. He never skipped a beat; no matter what he had going on, there was always time for hockey. The weekend he passed away was spent playing in a tournament when he wasn't working.

"Joey was a natural and avid outdoorsman. He spent countless hours hunting and fishing. It was through this passion that many of Joey's best friendships were created and strengthened. Joey and his buddies had a profound bond; they were a band of brothers. That was one thing about Joey, he was simple, easy going and a friend everyone loved to have; to know him was to love him. Joey was a genuine person who left a lasting impression on just about everyone he met. He had a contagious smile and a heart of gold."

In Brochey’s memory, this year’s event will consist of a hockey game, a basket raffle, 50/50 and T-shirt sale. For more information on this year’s event, visit https://jbmemorialhockeygame.webs.com/.