Nearly $34,000 Raised at Attack Charity Game for CPR Training and Community AEDs
The Tyson Downs Association will use proceeds from an Owen Sound Attack charity game to support CPR training and expand public access to AEDs.
A January charity game hosted by the Owen Sound Attack has raised nearly $34,000 to support local CPR training and the expansion of publicly accessible defibrillators across the community.
The Ontario Hockey League club announced this week that $33,961.35 was raised during the Jan. 31 fundraiser held in partnership with the Tyson Downs Association (TDBeAT), a local organization dedicated to cardiac arrest awareness and prevention.
Funds were collected through several in-arena activities during the game, including a bucket pass that brought in $7,679, along with $1,857 from Chuck-A-Puck and additional donations.
a local, not‑for‑profit group in Grey-BruceA post-game auction of custom TDBeAT-themed jerseys worn or issued for the event generated $10,120.11.
The Tyson Downs Association was founded in memory of Tyson Downs, an 18‑year‑old Owen Sound athlete and honours student who played minor hockey and lacrosse locally and junior hockey with the Kitchener‑Waterloo Siskins in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, wearing number 66.
He died suddenly at home in Owen Sound on July 23, 2023, from what is believed to have been a fatal heart arrhythmia or sudden cardiac event linked to inherited genetic mutations affecting heart rhythm.
The association in his name focuses on increasing access to life-saving equipment and training. Proceeds from the Attack event will help the group continue providing CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training, while also supporting plans to install outdoor AED units in high-traffic areas around Owen Sound.
In a statement, Attack community relations coordinator Evan Longland said the team was encouraged by the response from fans and volunteers.
Longland noted the organization is grateful for the work of the Downs family and TDBeAT volunteers, saying the group’s efforts to expand access to CPR and AED training have become an important community initiative.
The Tyson Downs Association also thanked fans, volunteers and local partners who helped organize the event, including members of the Owen Sound Junior B Lacrosse organization who assisted with game-night operations.
Several local businesses supported the fundraiser as sponsors, contributing to what organizers described as a strong community response to the cause.
TDBeAT says the funds will support its ongoing awareness programs, including free CPR and AED training for youth aged 16 to 21, and the development of publicly accessible outdoor defibrillator stations.
The group says improving access to AEDs and training can play a critical role in preventing deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, which can occur without warning in people of all ages.
Organizers say they plan to continue working with community partners to expand training opportunities and install additional life-saving equipment throughout Owen Sound.
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