The registration numbers are down, but that鈥檚 OK, because the amount raised for the has increased.

The third annual tournament hits the ice this weekend (June 10 and 11) at 91原创 Sportsplex with 100 players registered on eight teams.

The tournament honours the 91原创 teen who passed away in 2014.

The tournament is organized by Ryan鈥檚 parents, Doug and Dana Donaldson and his sister, Kirsten.

The first year saw a dozen teams play but that dropped off to eight in 2016 with the same number expected this weekend.

鈥淭he one thing I have learned is that it is not the quantity but the quality that counts,鈥� Kirsten Donaldson said. 鈥淓ven with less teams, were were able to raise more money last year than we did the first (year) and in March, we were able to donate $5,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association, while still being able to afford all tournament costs this year prior to registration and donations.鈥�

鈥淚 think the biggest growth we have had is simply the discussion around mental health, concussions and hockey.鈥�

The Donaldson family started the tournament to raise awareness about concussions and mental health 鈥� subjects near to their hearts.

Ryan suffered at least three major concussions and shortly before he took his own life, he had exhibited significant changes in his behaviour.

鈥淭here are people who are completely un-involved in the hockey community who stop me to talk about the tournament and our goals, which is a very humbling experience,鈥� Donaldson said. 鈥淛ust knowing that we are even making a small impact on our community has to be one of the most rewarding things.鈥�

Donaldson said out of the 100 or so players registered, there are only a handful of names she doesn鈥檛 know personally.

Many of the players are friends and former teammates of her brothers, including .

鈥�(This gives) all of Ryan鈥檚 friends the opportunity to take time out of their busy lives to get together, play a sport they love, have some fun and share the fun, positive memories of Ryan that they have,鈥� Donaldson said.

鈥淗earing how much they enjoy and look forward to the weekend is a great reminder of why we keep doing it.

鈥淚 think the biggest reward, though, is simply letting my brother鈥檚 legacy continue on and assisting him in helping others even in his death.鈥�

GAME SCHEDULE

The tournament gets underway on Saturday, with games at the 91原创 Sportsplex from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That will be followed by a skills competition. The action resumes on Sunday with games from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will also be a burger and beer night on the Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. at Willoughby Hall (20809 83 Ave.). Tickets are $20 and that includes a burger (beef, chicken or veggie) and a drink (beer, cooler, wine, pop or water) as well as desserts and salads.