MEET THE TEAM
OUR COMMITTEE
The volunteers and organizers who lace up behind the scenes to make Puck Cancer & Diabetes possible.
Tournament Committee
Chairwoman
Sasha Grekov
Sasha Grekov is a dedicated 15‑year‑old Grade 11 student and competitive cheerleader who brings heart, courage, and optimism to everything she does. As a committee member for this fundraiser in memory of her late father, Sasha is committed to helping break the stigma around talking about cancer. She believes no one should feel afraid to speak up or seek support, and she hopes her strong communication skills can help others feel seen and understood. This year, Sasha proudly serves as the event’s MC and leads promotional efforts, using her voice to uplift the community and honour her father Pavel's legacy.
Chairman
Jacob Lonergan
Jacob Lonergan is a dedicated 16-year-old student at Mentor College who has been active in a variety of sports, including soccer, hockey, and the martial art of kendo. He has a strong interest in political diplomacy and international relations and hopes to pursue a future in this field. Inspired by his father Paul’s journey through cancer, Jacob has seen firsthand the importance of resilience, community, and supporting meaningful causes. Through his involvement with Puck Cancer & Diabetes, he hopes to help raise awareness and contribute to initiatives that bring people together while supporting those affected by cancer and diabetes. Jacob aspires to one day work in diplomacy, where he can contribute to positive change on a global scale.
Chairman
Nicolai Grekov
Nicolai Grekov is an 18‑year‑old first‑year Economics and Accounting student at Wilfrid Laurier University, carrying forward the legacy of his late father, Pavel, with pride and purpose. Nicolai began playing hockey at age seven, learning the game side‑by‑side with his dad. The rink became their shared world—full of lessons, laughter, and memories that continue to guide him today. As a player and team captain in this memorial tournament, Nicolai honours those moments by leading with heart, sportsmanship, and gratitude.
Celebrity Ambassador
Mike Krushelnyski
Former NHL Star (4 Time Stanley Cup Winner)
Celebrity Ambassador
Denis Maruk
Former NHL Star (1 of 22 NHL Players to Score 60 goals in a season)
Celebrity Ambassador
Kaleb Dalgren
KALEB DAHLGREN is the former assistant captain of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and one of thirteen survivors of the tragic bus crash. Shortly after getting out of the hospital, Dahlgren joined the York University Lions varsity hockey team. He graduated from York University in 2021 and is now studying at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. The founder of Dahlgren's Diabeauties, a program that supports children with type 1 diabetes, Kaleb Dahlgren shares his message of hope and healing with groups across North America.
Tournament Founder
Paul Lonergan
Recruits, trains, and supports volunteers for registration, scorekeeping, raffles, and event support roles.
Tournament Founder
Vanessa Grekov
Vanessa serves on the fundraising committee in memory of her beloved husband, Pavel, and is dedicated to advancing research and awareness for terminal illnesses such as brain cancer. She is driven by a commitment to bring hope to individuals and families facing the most difficult circumstances. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, Vanessa focuses on elevating the visibility of this fundraiser, strengthening supporter relationships, and helping the event create a meaningful and lasting impact.
Operations Organizer
Anita Ha
Anita brings warmth, creativity, and dedication to the work she organizes. As Operations Organizer, she is one of the driving forces behind the tournament's ideas and special activities. Anita ensures every element of the day runs seamlessly. She is deeply passionate about the cause and committed to making every dollar count for cancer and diabetes research and the families who need it most.
Tournament Volunteer
Parker Varnai
Acts as the main contact for captains and players, handling questions, feedback, and team experience.
Tournament Volunteer
Keona Murti
Manages team registrations, payments, and financial tracking to ensure transparency and accuracy.
Tournament Volunteer
Al Rose
Allan Glenn Rose is a Canadian poet, author, and lifelong hockey enthusiast. A member of the League of Canadian Poets and two-time Griffin Poetry Prize nominee, he has been involved in hockey as a player, scout, executive, and coach. He is currently working on an anthology of hockey poems and The Great Canadian Hockey Novel.
Want to help grow the tournament or join the committee?
Reach Out To The Committee