Nearly a year after Sean “Chauncey” Corrigal committed suicide, friends and family stepped out onto Red Deer’s outdoor ice rink to raise money for the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
This Saturday, dozens of hockey players took part in the inaugural Chauncey Classic at Oriole Park’s outdoor ice rink in honor of Corrigal, who passed away on January 5th.
“Sean was so well-loved, that’s the bittersweet part of the event,” said Joe Chozitzki, one of the organizers and a longtime friend of Korigal.
“The week before[he died]I didn’t even understand what was going on. I want people to feel comfortable talking to me.”
According to Chodzicki, Chodzicki got involved in the Chauncey Classic when Corrigal’s mother, Norma, contacted Leah Beston, owner of Leah’s Bar and Grill where Chodzicki works, and suggested a charity hockey game in Corrigal’s honor. is said to have been formed.
“I want to thank everyone who came here and showed support. This has exceeded our expectations,” he said.
“Today we will probably be fighting on the ice for three hours.”
All proceeds from the game will be donated to the Alberta Mental Health Association. After the game, players were invited to her Leah’s Bar and Grill for music, refreshments, a 50-50 draw and prizes.
Korigal died at the age of just 36.
“He was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply, including his beloved dog Kari,” his obituary states.
“Shawn had a big heart and was very protective of his loved ones. He had a great sense of humor and was always the star of the party.”
For more than 60 years in Alberta, the Mental Health Association of Canada has been dedicated to the recovery and support of Albertans affected by mental illness. For more information about the organization, please visit alberta.cmha.ca.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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The Chauncey Classic was held on Saturday at Oriole Park’s outdoor ice rink. (Photo by Sean McIntosh/Advocate Staff)
