As the 2024 Tour of Hope reaches its conclusion, Hockey Hype Australia reflects on the significance of the tour. Brisbane is the sixth and final destination of the event that has included stops across Australia and New Zealand.

Kerry Goulet was inducted into the Manitoba Indigenous Hall of Fame earlier this year, along with Terry Fox. Goulet is enjoying his second season as head coach of the Melbourne Ice and has been a key promoter and driver of ice hockey in Australia since his arrival.

The Tour of Hope began in January 2020 and was the idea of Kerry Goulet, Wilf Brooks, and Angela Lightning. Marie Shaw QC, in Adelaide, is also heavily involved.

Shaw started the Ice Factor program at the Adelaide IceArenA with the goal of taking kids off the street to play hockey. “She saw a lot of kids coming through the court system,” Goulet told Hockey Hype Australia, “and decided to take these kids and give them an opportunity to be a part of something a little different.

“It’s teaching life through ice hockey – you fall down, you get back up again.” Through the NHL Alumni program and with assistance from Nathan Walker more than 100 sets of gear have been provided over the years to support the cause.

The Kaurna Boomerangs, an Indigenous ice hockey team from Adelaide, took part in the first Tour of Hope in 2020, travelling to Calling Lake, Alberta.

2024 Tour of Hope

This year, an Indigenous team from Canada, the Northern Ice, has made five stops across Australia and New Zealand. The games have been close, but the outcome is secondary.

According to Goulet, the main purpose of the event is to have a cultural exchange between Indigenous cultures from Australia and Canada. “Their history is very similar to our history,” Goulet reflected. “The Residential Schools and missions are very similar. Their purpose was to desensitize them from their culture.

“The ice hockey is only the vehicle to educate people on the cultural differences and cultural similarities. For those participating it can give them a pathway to maybe get off the Reserve and open their eyes to see the world and what is possible.

“It’s not uncommon that these young boys and girls are struggling with drug and alcohol dependency. So we’re happy to provide a joyful exchange of cultures,” Goulet concluded.

Goulet was grateful for all the help with teams in putting the tour together, specially acknowledging the support of the Melbourne Ice and PJ Hartshorne. Additionally, Josh Labrie and the Brisbane Lightning have done immense work in setting up an experience prior to the final game on July 13.

“The Tour of Hope has been absolutely inspirational! The Northern Ice have loved the ice hockey and most importantly the friendships they have made. The tour is about education and sport, and it has achieved both through the cultural exchange we have had. We are looking forward to experiencing the great hospitality of Brisbane.”

Tour of Hope Global Director

If you want to support the cause by picking up some fantastic hockey gear, click here to check out the jersey options, and click here to check out the hoodies. And if you want to see if player signed jerseys are still available, send an email to Kerry Goulet – goulet29@29sports.com.