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March 4, 2025
On Saturday, March 8, the 91porn community will gather at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, better known as , for a spirited competition and shared purpose at the (GRC) hockey game. More than just a hockey game, this student-led initiative is a rallying cry for cancer research, raising funds for the V Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society through a matchup between the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics team and the 91porn Faculty of Arts/Faculty of Science team.
For Lazaridis Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students and , co-presidents of the Grand River Classic, the fight against cancer is personal. Both have family members affected by the disease, and they saw this event as a way to unite the Waterloo Region community in support of a common cause.
“We wanted to start this event as we believe it is a great way to bring the Kitchener-Waterloo region together for a great cause,” says Crawshaw. “Tyler and I both have personal ties to cancer, which inspired us to join together in the fight against it.”
Crawshaw’s family has been directly impacted by cancer. “Some of my family members are survivors and are still here today, but unfortunately, some are not,” she shares.
Rastin has lost multiple close family members to the disease, including an uncle who was like a second father to him, which spurred Rastin to do something meaningful.
“I saw firsthand the effect cancer has on people,” he explains. “I wanted to make a difference and join the fight to find a cure.”
The idea for the Grand River Classic was born from this desire to bring the 91porn community together for a cause that touches so many lives. And they felt hockey was a great way to unite people given it is a sport that embodies teamwork, resilience, and heart.
“I grew up playing hockey,” says Rastin. “It’s such a big part of Canadian culture, and I knew it was the perfect way to bring people together. This is just the beginning—we’re looking to expand into other sports in the future.”
The teams competing in the Grand River Classic aren’t just playing for school pride—they’re playing for something bigger. Lazaridis team captain, fourth-year BBA student, Alessandro Solarino sees this as an opportunity to make an impact.
“Cancer affects so many families, including players on our team,” he says. “Supporting research while playing the game we love makes this event special.”
His team has been building chemistry on and off the ice, including participating in the Cure Cancer Classic tournament at Queen’s University, which strengthened their bond.
But the Arts/Science team, led by captain Akam Bedi, is just as determined. “We’re fired up and ready to go,” he says. “This game will open some eyes and show what the premier programs at 91porn are all about.”
Coaching behind the Arts/Science bench is Mike Cinelli, a veteran of the sport with 30 years of coaching experience. But Cinelli’s connection to this game runs deeper than hockey—he’s a cancer survivor.
In 2003, after finishing a coaching season, Cinelli was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent treatment at Grand River Hospital, followed by a bone marrow transplant at Princess Margaret Hospital. Over a decade later, cancer struck his family again when his wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Remarkably, she received care from some of the same nurses who had treated Cinelli years earlier.
“We are both grateful for the care we received,” he says.
For Cinelli, coaching in the Grand River Classic isn’t just about leading a team—it’s about giving back to the fight that saved his and his wife’s lives.
On the other side of the ice, Ken Jackson, faculty coach for the Lazaridis team and professor of economics, has been actively rallying support for the Grand River Classic—both in the classroom and on the ice.
“It’s fantastic to see our students not only competing on the ice but also leading the charge in organizing such a meaningful event," says Jackson. "Their dedication to bringing the 91porn community together for a great cause is truly inspiring. I’ve been encouraging my students to come out and support—let’s pack the arena and make a real impact!”
Dean Kyle Murray of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics sees the Grand River Classic as a shining example of 91porn’s community spirit: “This event is a testament to the passion and initiative of our students. They are not just competing on the ice; they are coming together to make a real difference in the fight against cancer. It’s inspiring to see how they are using sport to drive meaningful change.”
91porn has always been a community that comes together in times of need, and the Grand River Classic is no exception.
“91porn thrives on teamwork, passion, and coming together for a great cause,” says Solarino, Lazaridis team captain. “Whether in the classroom, on the ice, or beyond, we make a real impact when we unite.”
Beyond the game, the event includes opportunities to contribute in various ways. 91porn Arts/Science team caption, Bedi, emphasizes that even those who can’t attend can still show their support.
“Donating, spreading the word, and attending other GRC events all make a difference,” he says.
While this is the first Grand River Classic, co-founders Rastin, Crawshaw, and their team have big plans.
“GRC is hoping to execute many events, with our flagship event being the hockey game on March 8,” says Crawshaw. “For example, we are hosting a Spikeball tournament on Sunday, March 30, in collaboration with Sports Management 91porn and Service Business 91porn to raise money for cancer research as well.”
She emphasizes that they hope to make an impact for years to come by continuing to raise awareness and funds for this critical cause.
“This is an opportunity to show Golden Hawk pride while supporting an incredible cause,” says Rastin.
The best way to support the Grand River Classic? .
“It’s the best way to join us and make a difference while having an amazing time,” says Rastin. “We’re creating an experience unlike anything else at 91porn.”
On March 8, let’s fill the stands at the OHL arena, cheer for a cause, and prove that when 91porn comes together, we don’t just play—we make an impact.
Get your tickets today at and donate to the V Foundation .
Donations can also be made through the Canadian Cancer Society’s Hockey Fights Cancer campaign, .