Hamilton, Ontario
Legends, Community & Compassion Take Centre Stage
The NHL Alumni Legends BBQ brought Hamilton together for music, food, hockey memories and meaningful support for St. Matt’s House.
More than a barbecue. A community moment.
Under brilliant Hamilton sunshine, the MIB Hamilton office at 163 Centennial Parkway became the centre of something far greater than a parking-lot barbecue. It became a meeting place for neighbours, volunteers, retirees, first responders, business partners, hockey fans and families who came together for one purpose: supporting St. Matt’s House.
Presented by My Insurance Broker, the NHL Alumni Legends BBQ blended the best parts of a community gathering: great food, live music, familiar faces, signed memorabilia, charity fundraising and the kind of conversations that remind people why local partnerships matter.
The energy was immediate. Guests arrived to the sounds of Hamilton’s own Steve Sinnicks performing live, the smell of Curbside Foods serving up BBQ, and the excitement of seeing NHL Alumni Gilbert Dionne and Dennis Maruk sharing stories, signing jerseys and meeting fans.
Supporting St. Matt’s House and the people it serves.
At the heart of the afternoon was St. Matt’s House, an organization rooted in care, outreach and practical support for individuals and families across Hamilton. Rene Wetselaar, Executive Director of St. Matt’s House, helped welcome the community and remind everyone why the day mattered.
Every handshake, every donation, every raffle ticket and every conversation added to the larger purpose of the day: helping St. Matt’s House continue providing hope, dignity and support to those who need it most.
MIB’s Union Insurance Brokers turned an idea into a community success story.
Behind every successful community event is a dedicated team willing to invest countless hours behind the scenes. While guests experienced a seamless afternoon of hockey, music and fundraising, much of the planning began weeks earlier through the leadership of the MIB Hamilton Union Insurance Broker team.
Adrian Keith, Ashley Valentine and Corbin Keith spearheaded the planning and execution of the NHL Alumni Legends BBQ, coordinating sponsors, logistics, community outreach, volunteer support, fundraising activities and event-day operations. Their commitment ensured that every detail — from welcoming guests to organizing prizes — contributed to the spirit of the day.
Working alongside Event Coordinator Rod LaRocque and Rick Jaitley, representing MIB, who kept guests engaged through the popular Shoot to Score challenge, the MIB team demonstrated that community leadership extends well beyond providing insurance solutions.
Adrian Keith
MIB Union Insurance Broker and event co-lead, coordinating partnerships, operations and overall event execution.
Ashley Valentine
MIB Union Insurance Broker who played a key role in guest experience, volunteer coordination and ensuring the day ran smoothly.
Corbin Keith
MIB Union Insurance Broker responsible for logistics, activities and supporting event operations from planning through execution.
Gilbert Dionne and Dennis Maruk made the day unforgettable.
For hockey fans, meeting Gilbert Dionne and Dennis Maruk was a highlight. But what stood out most was not only their NHL history — it was their generosity with people. They took time for photos, conversations, autographs and a few laughs, creating memories for guests of all ages.
Dionne brought the presence of a Stanley Cup champion and the easy warmth of someone who understands the value of community. Maruk brought stories, humour and a genuine connection with everyone who stopped by.
Food, music and a parking lot full of purpose.
Curbside Foods kept guests fed and smiling, while Steve Sinnicks gave the event its soundtrack. Together, they helped turn a business parking lot into a warm, welcoming community space.
From Shoot to Score with Rick Jaitley to signed jerseys, from casual conversations to group photos, every part of the day carried the same message: when good people come together, even a simple Friday afternoon can become something memorable.
The day in pictures.
Celebrating the Prize Winners
One of the most popular attractions throughout the afternoon was the Spin the Wheel prize activity. Guests enthusiastically took their chances for gas cards, gift cards and other prizes while helping raise additional funds in support of St. Matt’s House.
Congratulations to everyone who walked away with prizes throughout the day. A special congratulations to Roger White, winner of the signed Washington Capitals jersey. Thank you to every guest who purchased raffle tickets, spun the wheel, bid on memorabilia and made donations.
Recognizing the people and partners who made the day possible.
This event came together because community partners stepped forward with time, energy, resources and heart. A sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the NHL Alumni Legends BBQ a meaningful success in support of St. Matt’s House.
MIB Hamilton
Thank you to Adrian Keith, Ashley Valentine and Corbin Keith for spearheading the event, with support from Event Coordinator Rod LaRocque and Rick Jaitley representing MIB.
St. Matt’s House
Thank you to Executive Director Rene Wetselaar and the St. Matt’s House team for the vital work they continue to do in Hamilton.
SOAR
Thank you to Lena and Bob from SOAR for their continued support, participation and community spirit.
Hamilton Police Service
Thank you to Officer Mya for joining the event and helping strengthen community connection.
Curbside Foods & Steve Sinnicks
Thank you for the great food and outstanding live entertainment that helped set the tone for the afternoon.
Gilbert Dionne & Dennis Maruk
Thank you for sharing your time, stories, autographs and hockey memories with everyone in attendance.
See You Next Year!
As the final prizes were awarded and the last conversations came to a close, one thing was clear: this was far more than a summer barbecue. It was a celebration of community, compassion and partnership.
Every meal served, every Spin the Wheel ticket purchased, every raffle entry, every signed jersey auction bid and every donation helped support the important work of St. Matt’s House.
Plans are already underway to make next year’s NHL Alumni Charity BBQ even bigger and better. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027.