Hockey Helps the Homeless: Graham Cubitt

It’s a comeback 25 years in the making. 

Graham Cubitt hasn’t played hockey since he was 19 years old. That was when he tripped on a breakaway and found himself flying into the boards, smashing his kneecap and any dream he had of playing hockey.

But when asked to play in the first-ever Hamilton/Burlington Hockey Helps the Homeless Tournament, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to lace-up his skates in support of YMCA programs that prevent homelessness.

As the president of Flourish and member of the Indwell family, Graham has spent most of his life working in supportive housing, so when he was approached by Invizij about putting a team together for an event raising money to end homelessness, it seemed like a natural fit.

“I’m very attuned to the issues of homelessness and very understanding of the challenges that people face in our community. I’m always drawn to things that do something as a solution."

The funds raised from the tournament will support two YMCA programs, the YMCA Men’s Residence in Hamilton, and the Youth in Transition (YIT) program in Burlington.

“Homelessness is a complicated problem, and each individual's circumstances are different.”

He says many people who end up experiencing homelessness in their 30s or 40s first experienced homelessness as youth, so he understands the importance of supporting young people who are struggling. He also says “the fire in the Men’s Residence really highlighted the need to re-evaluate the future of supportive housing and what is available in our community to offer stability.” 

People have been incredibly generous and supportive of the cause, helping Graham raise over $4000. 

"Our next goal is to be top of the standings for fundraising. We are really working with each person on our team to make sure that they can hit their own goal. Then we’re looking forward to hitting the ice to playing against some other great teams.”

To prepare for the tournament, Graham has been taking his fitness seriously, joining the gym and running, while also attempting to get on the ice once a week before the tournament.

“It’s great that the YMCA is doing this. We’re bringing people in to support a solution to homelessness, but through hockey, we’re also engaging people who might not otherwise be involved in a fundraiser like this.”

“While I may not be the best player on the ice, I’m doing what I can when it comes to the fundraising side.”

You can watch Graham, and the Invizij Arch-attacks hit the ice on April 11, 2025 at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:45p.m. at the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre. 

Donate to Graham