Wayne to Host Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament This Weekend
The event kicks off Friday to raise funds for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at the local Ice Vault.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Hockey
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The Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament begins Friday in Wayne, New Jersey, featuring teams from police, fire, and federal agencies. This year the event will host 16 teams at the Ice Vault to benefit the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Why it matters
The tournament serves as a major fundraising effort for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes and support programs for veterans and first responders. The organization was created in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The tournament has raised nearly $500,000 for charitable programs since its inception. Competition this year features 16 teams, marking a growth from the four teams that competed in 2023.
The players
Georges Laraque
He is a former professional hockey player who played 695 NHL games during his career.
Al Secord
He is a former NHL forward known for his physical style of play during his professional tenure.
Darren McCarty
He is a retired professional hockey player who is widely recognized for his multiple Stanley Cup championships.
Tunnels to Towers Foundation
This nonprofit organization supports military veterans and first responders by providing housing and financial assistance.
The details
This year features an expansion in participation, with NHL alumni Georges Laraque, Al Secord, and Darren McCarty among those scheduled to play. The tournament utilizes a round-robin format, with a new team of NHL employees joining the lineup of emergency services participants.
Timeline
The tournament begins with draft activities on Friday.
Tournament games begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Season Trajectory
The Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament continues the expansion of charity-based sports events that engage retired professionals alongside community service teams. This event underscores the growing role of professional sports entities in supporting localized charitable foundations.
Residents and attendees should be aware that tournament games commence at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Ice Vault. The event will see an influx of participants from various public safety sectors competing throughout the weekend.
The takeaway
The tournament illustrates how community-driven sports events can create significant financial support for national foundations. Supporters can look for future opportunities to engage with similar charitable hockey initiatives held across the region.
Further reading
For more information on local ice sports, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NHL.
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