National hockey organization honours memory of one of its youngest coaches
Posted January 22, 2025 8:39 pm.
Last Updated January 22, 2025 8:40 pm.
A national hockey organization dedicated to empowering marginalized youth, is honoring the memory of one of its youngest coach’s Trey Basarowich, who was shot and killed on Boyd Avenue last October, leading to two teenage boys and a man facing second-degree murder charges in connection with the incident.
The Hockey Education Reaching Out Society, also know as HEROS, paid tribute to Trey by tapping the ice nine times at Seven Oaks Arena Tuesday.
“The group got to a place where they spoke about the positive memories of Trey,” said Kevin Hodgson the Executive Director of HEROS. “When you listen to kids, they tell you when the right time is, and judging by their reaction and how they talked about it after I think we got it right.”
“We can feel pretty good about that.”
HEROS, has also given it’s 800 participants hoodies this month — with a extra special message
“Bigger than hockey goes on all our goodies and a heart with a T in it for Trey,” explained Hodgson. “Our kids keep these hoodies for a long time, there always wearing them so that’s there way of carrying a little bit of trey with them.”
Hodgson recounted Trey’s journey with HEROS which started in grade four.
He quickly stood out for his leadership and inspired younger participants to strive for their best — which Hodgson says Trey did till the very end.
“In the hours before we lost him, he was on the phone with our volunteers in Winnipeg before our season story and his focus was what do you need from me this year to be even better and have a bigger impact in all the other kids lives,” Hodgson said.
Hodgson says Trey’s story is a reminder of the positive impact youth can have on their communities and the importance of continuing to support programs that empower the next generation.
“Our memory,” he said. “Is someone who made our community stronger.”
