Mike McKee was a devoted husband, a proud father, a wonderful son, a loving brother, a loyal friend and a caring coach. This is evidenced each year by the sight of Northeast Skate Zone teaming with players and overflowing with donations each year on December 26th.

 In 2017, Mike was diagnosed with a rare form of appendix cancer. No one who knew him

could imagine a time when he wouldn’t be here with us. We couldn’t imagine not seeing his

beaming grin when his son Cade leveled someone at the blue line, or when Colin made a

breathtaking cross-crease save. We miss his smile, which was full of pride, as he watched his

daughter Charlotte stretch pass to a teammate for a goal, and we all loved watching him try not

to laugh as his youngest, Brennan, insisted on checking as a mite and squirt. 

To say a gaping hole was left in Mike’s absence is a gross understatement. Mike gave all

of himself in everything he did. He was a selfless and giving man.  He graciously gave his time,

his money, his talents, and his love to his family and friends. Mike’s absence is difficult for all of

us.   Watching his children continue to play hockey and coach hockey, knowing they miss his

support and criticism is difficult, but we know he is beyond proud of them.

This one-day, Iron Man tournament was created to turn that massive void into something

positive and to give back to the wonderful hockey community that supported his family. The

McKee family envisioned a memorial fund in Mike’s name that could help keep local kids going

through financial hardships on the ice, playing the game, he loved so much. 

The Mike McKee Memorial Tournament is held once a year, the day after Christmas. Not

only has the planning helped Mike’s family navigate that tough time of year, but knowing the

many kids the proceeds have helped gives the family a small measure of peace in the face of

their deep and unrelenting loss. Since the inaugural year in 2021, the McKee Family & Friends

has helped ten (10) players keep playing the wonderful game of hockey and stay enrolled in the

school they chose. 

There was a high school senior who was going to be removed from the varsity roster

because his parents were struggling after Covid.  A couple of players would have had to sit out

their final year of club hockey due to the loss of a parent were able to stay with their teams and

finish out their youth hockey career without monetary stress hanging over them. Some proceeds

paid for a few more players whose families struggled due to a parent loss. These players and

others were given financial assistance thanks to all of you!

The McKee family and friends would like to thank each person who has participated in the

tournament, donated a basket, became a sponsor, donated their time and spread the word on

social media. We have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have continuously

received! YOUR efforts have been an integral part of helping these players in addition to many

more!

To date, we have all rallied and raised the funds together and helped a total of 10 kids in

just three years totaling almost $10,000! We can only imagine that Mike McKee would be so

honored and proud that so many kids are afforded these opportunities in his name. 

Thank you for your support, your time, and your love of the game!

-Mike McKee’s Family & Friends