We are grateful for the generosity of our community! The Vernon Doctor’s Hockey Tournament Society has again donated $2,500 towards Mental Health Education in memory of Laura Taylor, a UBC medical student & gifted athlete who died by suicide in 2016 after struggling with the stigma of a Bipolar diagnosis.

The gift raised from the 35th annual tournament will support educational programming.

“Education is such an important part of what we offer for people facing mental health challenges. From early intervention and prevention to those with severe mental health issues, we want our community to know that there is hope and there is help.”

The donation is in memory of UBC medical student Laura Taylor who died by suicide in 2016. Taylor was a gifted athlete who had played in the tournament in previous years. She had also been a member of the UBC Women’s Thunderbird Hockey Team and played varsity hockey with the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Huskies Hockey Team in her undergrad years.
Taylor was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with the associated stigma.

The Vernon Doctors Hockey Tournament is the largest physicians’ hockey tournament in Western Canada. Started by Dr. William Cawkell, the tournament has grown over the years featuring more than 300 physicians on 24 teams playing 48 games throughout the North Okanagan.