Collingwood & Wasaga Beach, ON — April 24–25, 2026 — Black & McDonald and Canadian Base Operators (CBO) are proud to announce the successful conclusion of the 28th Annual National Hockey Tournament, held in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.
The B&M Toronto Marlies emerged as tournament champions following an exciting weekend of competition that brought together 14 teams from across Canada for three days of hockey, camaraderie, and connection.
Hosted by Canadian Base Operators, the annual tournament continues to be a cornerstone event that strengthens relationships across regions while creating a meaningful impact beyond the ice. This year’s event raised $15,080 through silent auctions and 50/50 raffles, with all proceeds supporting Campbell House Hospice (Collingwood) and Chapman House – Grey Bruce Hospice, two organizations providing essential, no-cost palliative care services to local families.
In keeping with its longstanding commitment to community support, Black & McDonald proudly matched the funds raised by participants, bringing the total donated to $30,160.
“This tournament is about much more than hockey,” said Ryan Long, General Manager, Canadian Base Operators. “It’s an opportunity to bring people together, support meaningful causes, and reinforce the sense of community and teamwork that defines who we are.”
Community, Inclusion, and Growing Traditions
The 2026 tournament reflected the continued evolution of the event. Notably, two female players participated this year, reinforcing the tournament’s inclusive spirit and the continued commitment of Black & McDonald and Canadian Base Operators to fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.
“It was great to see women represented on the ice,” said Corinne Clark, Marketing & Proposal Manager, Canadian Base Operators. “There are so many talented female hockey players coming up, and I hope to see more women step forward and get involved. Opportunities like this show that there’s space for everyone—on the ice and across our organization.”
The tournament followed recent internal initiatives celebrating International Women’s Day, including a company-wide town hall. The discussion focused on learning culture, development opportunities, and intentional support for growth. Celebrated under the theme #GiveToGain, the session reinforced the belief that when people support and uplift one another, inclusion grows and doors open for everyone.
Supporting the Military Community and Veteran Employment
As part of the weekend’s programming, attendees heard from guest speaker Major Neil McLean of the Army Training Centre – Central (ATC‑C)—formerly known as the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre—who spoke about the role of the training facility, its mission, and the value of strong partnerships between military and civilian organizations. The session also highlighted opportunities for veterans transitioning into civilian careers and how their skills and experience translate into roles within organizations such as Canadian Base Operators and Black & McDonald.
Canadian Base Operators has a long-standing presence at ATC‑C in Meaford, Ontario. The site was the first military installation in Canada to be wholly contracted to a civilian service provider for full facilities maintenance and logistics support. The training centre supports Regular and Reserve Force soldiers from across Ontario, as well as international military units and non-military agencies, with an average daily training population of approximately 600 personnel, increasing to as many as 1,400 during peak summer training periods.
As Prime Contractor, CBO provides full-service operational support and maintenance across the site, overseeing preventive maintenance and capital planning for more than 40 fully serviced buildings totaling over 600,000 square feet, along with more than 100 additional structures. CBO also actively supports veteran recruitment and employment initiatives, recognizing the leadership, discipline, and technical expertise that veterans bring to the civilian workforce.
Honouring Legacy: Introducing the Steve Forgeron Cup
This year marked the introduction of a new tournament tradition with the presentation of the Steve Forgeron Cup, awarded to the champions of the C/D Division. The cup honours the legacy of Steve Forgeron, a long-standing Black & McDonald employee whose passion for hockey, mentorship, and community played a pivotal role in shaping the tournament during its formative years.
In Memoriam: Steve Forgeron
Steve Forgeron joined Black & McDonald on June 1, 1987, beginning his career as a Mechanical Engineer and concluding it as Division Manager of the Refrigeration Division in Southwest Ontario. Over a 37-year career, Steve became known for his technical expertise, analytical ability, and commitment to quality across the organization.
His work included designing HVAC systems for multiple hockey rink complexes throughout Ontario, reflecting both his engineering excellence and lifelong love of the sport. Steve was deeply involved in the company hockey tournament as a player, coach, mentor, organizer, and ambassador, helping establish the camaraderie and spirit that continue to define the event today. The creation of the Steve Forgeron Cup ensures his legacy remains a lasting part of this annual tradition.
Fundraising Impact: Supporting Compassionate Care
Campbell House Hospice – Collingwood, operated by Hospice Georgian Triangle, is a 10-bed residential hospice providing 24-hour, seven-days-a-week palliative and end-of-life care in a warm, home-like setting. A dedicated team of professional staff and volunteers delivers compassionate care, along with short-term palliative respite stays that offer critical relief for caregivers.
Chapman House – Grey Bruce Hospice Foundation was established in 2022 and officially launched as a registered charity on April 1, 2025. The Foundation supports residential hospice care, palliative respite services, and grief and bereavement programs for individuals and families across Grey and Bruce Counties. All services are provided at no cost to residents and their families, supported through ongoing fundraising and community partnerships.
A Weekend Made Possible by Volunteers
Tournament games were hosted at Wasaga Stars Arena in Wasaga Beach, with the Saturday evening banquet held at the Blue Mountain Conference Centre. Black & McDonald and Canadian Base Operators extend sincere thanks to the Meaford team, organizing committee members, volunteers, sponsors, and participants whose time, dedication, and enthusiasm made the weekend a success.
About Black & McDonald and Canadian Base Operators
Black & McDonald is a leading Canadian multi-trade contractor delivering services across facilities management, construction, and infrastructure sectors nationwide. Canadian Base Operators provides critical site support services and operations across Canada, emphasizing safety, collaboration, inclusion, and strong community partnerships.
Media Contact
Corinne Clark
Marketing & Proposal Manager
Canadian Base Operators
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 705-446-9019