First Annual Michael Murray Memorial Tournament
What a fun day! I am incredibly happy. We came together as a community, spent a day in honour of Michael, played in a mix team format, and enjoyed every bit of it!
The first Michael Murray Memorial Tournament exceeded every expectation I had. From the moment people started arriving until the final handshakes at 11:00 PM, Michael’s presence was felt in every corner of the room.
Honoring Michael the Right Way
We began the day properly – taking a few minutes of silence to remember Michael and his compassion. Then came the stories. So many beautiful Michael stories that reminded us exactly why he was so loved in our community.
Having Dionne and Sachi there with us from 10:30 AM until the very end made everything more meaningful. You could see Michael’s spirit reflected in their smiles throughout the day.
The life-size portrait of Michael watching over us during the group photo was a moment none of us will forget.
The Tournament Format That Worked Perfectly
Nine team captains stepped up for the draft, strategically building their squads in true Michael fashion – mixing everyone together, making sure everyone felt included. Teams of four players each, ready to compete in our unique 15-point scoring format.
The pool play across two divisions kept everyone engaged all day. Every single point mattered, which meant every game had meaning. Then the elimination bracket brought that knockout drama that kept the energy electric right until the end.
Our Champions
🏆 Tournament Champions: Team Viren
- Viren Dhongade (Captain)
- Bruce Lortie
- Bill Stalker
- Tina Winder
🥈 Second Place: Team Deepak
- Deepak Hemnani (Captain)
- Shred Hillson
- Dave Parker
- Michelle Kowalski
🥉 Semifinalists: Team Steve
- Steve Tickner (Captain)
- Michael Liu
- Linda Wiebe
- Glenna Thibault
🥉 Semifinalists: Team Mark
The competition was fierce and close throughout. You could feel Michael’s competitive spirit driving everyone to play their best while still having fun.
Event Brackets : Pool A | Pool B | Final Bracket
Moments That Made the Day Special
Steve sharing his new card trick to co-memorate Michael, it was such a Michael moment – spontaneous, fun, and sharing his love.
Watching players get creative with their shot selection and then execute perfectly when it mattered. The level of play was impressive, but more importantly, the sportsmanship was exactly what Michael would have wanted to see.
Jeremy’s Kicking Master Class
Jeff’s creative genius inspired by Michael
The Heart of the Game Award going to Deepak Hemnani
The People Who Made It Happen
Special thanks to Ron Deleeuw for helping setup the tournament and Kim West for helping out with pictures and votes.
Jim Clapp and Dionne were our photographers, capturing every moment so we’ll have these memories forever.
Full Tournament Gallery
Clark Hayes for helping through out the communication with Michael’s friends and family
V-Lounge, Brad Service and Dana for taking care of everyone at the bar and keeping things smooth for all
Most importantly, thank you to the 36 players who showed up and spent the day with us and the additional supporters who showed up just to be part of this special day. That level of community support would have made Michael beam with pride.
Looking Ahead
This is now my annual commitment to Michael, his family and the comunity. The Michael Murray Memorial Tournament will return next year, and I’m very excited about it. We’ve created something that perfectly captures Michael’s love for the game and his gift for bringing people together.
The mixed team format particularly worked beautifully – it brought out the best in everyone and created exactly the kind of inclusive, fun atmosphere that Michael thrived in.
Final Thoughts
Michael would have loved every minute of today. The community coming together, the creative shot-making, the friendly competition, the stories and laughter – it was all there.
Let’s try to live by Michael’s message -> be kind to each other, support each other, and making sure everyone felt welcome. Let them know “You are Glad They Exist!!”
Until we meet again at the table, Michael, we’ll keep playing with the same spirit you showed us every day.
📸 View all tournament photos: Tournament Gallery
🏆 Complete tournament results: Tournament Brackets | Pool A | Pool B
