Lakeshore Lightning U11 Girls Win the Good Deeds Cup—and Give Back in a Big Way
It started with a simple idea and a challenge from PHWL Star Sarah Nurse to fill the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup and “ make a difference.” So the team gathered in the locker room, not to talk about passing drills or power plays, but to brainstorm how they could help their community. After much discussion (and a few giggles), they landed on their mission: to support local cancer research and complete as many good deeds as possible. The U11 Girls Lakeshore Lightning hockey team had always been known for their heart on the ice—but this year, they showed their hearts off the ice too.
The girls collected mittens, jackets, snow pants, hats, and boots for those in need. With help from their parents and coaches, they even partnered with local teachers and agencies to ensure every item went to someone who truly needed it. They didn’t stop there—they volunteered at the food bank, wrote kind letters to seniors in care homes, dropped off treats for emergency services workers, helped around school, made donations to various charities and the team organized two fundraisers, one for the local food bank and the humane society as part of the 1288 good deeds they completed.
Word began to spread. Local news outlets picked up the story. People were inspired—not just by what they were doing, but by who was doing it: a team of 8, 9 and 10-year-olds who believed in kindness as much as they believed in hockey.
When the day came and it was announced that the Lakeshore Lightning U11 Girls had won the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, there were cheers, tears, and the loudest team huddle ever heard in the town rink. But the celebration didn’t end there.
In an extraordinary act of generosity, the team chose to donate their $100,000 winnings to Play for the Cure, a campaign supporting cancer research through sport. Many of the girls had personal connections to the cause, and their decision came straight from the heart.
One of the veteran team members, Peyton said “I am so proud of me and my teammates. We made a difference in our community and every good deed helped to spread happiness”
And just like that, a little team from Lakeshore became a big inspiration to communities across Canada—proving that when young athletes come together for good, the impact goes far beyond the game.