One of the largest gatherings of healthcare professionals in Ontario has landed in the Sault, with attendees brought together for the good old hockey game.
More than 700 doctors and medical students from across Ontario traded their scrubs and lab coats for hockey jerseys this weekend as Sault Ste. Marie hosted the 40th annual Docs on Ice charity tournament.
Sudbury B The Sudbury B team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Women's White The Women's White team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Toronto B The Toronto B team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Collingwood Paradocs A Collingwood Paradocs team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
M.K. Mighty Docs The M.K. Mighty Docs team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Sons of Lanarky The Sons of Lanarky team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Western 98's The Western 98's team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Guelph The Guelph team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Ottawa Roc-Its The Ottawa Roc-Its team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Georgetown T.S. The Georgetown T.S. team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Muskoka Docs The Muskoka Docs team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Soo Hockey Docs The Soo Hockey Docs A team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Collingwood Paradocs A Collingwood Paradocs team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Niagra Healthy Scratches The Niagra Healthy Scratches team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Women's Orange The Women's Orange team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Code Red Ottawa The Code Red Ottawa team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Niagara Ice Docs The Niagara Ice Docs team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Hamilton Bulldocs The Hamilton Bulldocs team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Hamilton Bulldocs B The Hamilton Bulldocs B team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 4. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Huronia Junkyard Docs The Huronia Junkyard Docs team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 5. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
The Toronot X team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 5. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos) The Toronot X team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 5. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
London Dartos The London Dartos team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 5. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Toronto The Toronto team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 5. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Western Medicine The Western Medicine team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 5. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Toronto The Toronto team at the Docs on Ice 2025 charity hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on April 5. (Provided by Docs On Ice | Photo by Bob Davies/Freeze Frame Photos)
Organizers estimate this year’s contributions will near $100,000, supporting 19 local programs, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Women in Crisis.
“It’s about camaraderie – seeing colleagues outside work,” said Dr. Matt Follwell of Barrie’s Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, noting some participants have played for 25 years.
This marks just the second time the tournament has been held in the Sault.
Soo Hound Docs An undated photo of the Soo Hound Docs hockey team which particpates in the Docs on Ice charity tournament. (Supplied/Docs on Ice)
Event co-chair Dr. Bob Maloney told CTV News he hopes the tournament helps showcase the city’s appeal to potential recruits.
“We want young, active people to see our natural and cultural resources,” he said.
Bob Maloney An undated profile photo of Docs on Ice 2025 co-chair Bob Maloney. (Docs on Ice)
For many physicians, the weekend offers respite from workplace stresses.
“Administrative work isn’t why we got into medicine,” said Dr. Jeff Jonusaitis, the events other co-chair.
“A break from paperwork is nice.”
Jeff Jonusaitis An undated profile photo of Docs on Ice 2025 co-chair Jeff Jonusaitis. (Docs on Ice)
United Way’s Danica Scott said the funds will “expand programs to reach more people in need.”
Docs on Ice, founded in 1983, has raised millions for charities across Ontario. Organizers thanked sponsors and invited the public to attend, calling it a “win-win” for philanthropy and community-building.
