MEET THE TEAM
OUR COMMITTEE
The volunteers and organizers who lace up behind the scenes to make Puck Cancer & Diabetes possible.
Tournament Committee
Tournament Founder
Paul Lonergan
Paul Lonergan is a survivor of oral cancer, and his recovery has been described as nothing short of miraculous. During the most difficult moments of his life - when he was unable to move and his future was uncertain - he held on to one simple dream: to one day stand on the ice again.Hockey has been a part of Paul’s life since childhood. It has always been more than just a sport - it has been a source of strength, community, and resilience. Throughout his cancer journey, he was supported and uplifted not only by his hockey community, but also by his family and friends, who stood by him every step of the way.Today, Paul is back on the ice. More importantly, he is able to spend precious time with his wife and son - something he once feared he might lose. Having witnessed the pain of families - especially children - who have lost loved ones to cancer, Paul found a deeper purpose in his own survival. He realized that being given a second chance at life also meant a responsibility to help reduce that loss for others. Driven by this perspective and deep gratitude, Paul founded Puck Cancer & Diabetes with a clear purpose: to give back and help others facing similar challenges. Funds raised through this initiative support the research and development of new cancer treatments, with a portion also dedicated to advancing diabetes research.Through this work, Paul hopes to create more opportunities for others to survive, recover, and return to the life they love.
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.
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 thoughtful 16-year-old with a strong interest in diplomacy and international relations, and a background in kendo. He brings a calm, grounded perspective and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Inspired by his father Paul Lonergan’s journey through cancer, Jacob has seen firsthand the importance of resilience, community, and supporting others through difficult times. He is committed to carrying forward his father’s legacy by helping others and contributing to meaningful causes. As Chairman, Jacob helps guide the vision of this initiative - raising awareness, strengthening the community, and supporting those affected by cancer and diabetes.
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) Mike Krushelnyski is a former NHL forward best known for being a key member of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty during the 1980s. He played alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky and contributed to multiple Stanley Cup championships with his strong two-way play and offensive consistency. Today, Mike remains involved in the hockey community, supporting charitable initiatives and giving back through mentorship and events.
Celebrity Ambassador
Denis Maruk
Former NHL Star (1 of 22 NHL Players to Score 60 goals in a season) Denis Maruk is a former professional hockey player best known for his time in the NHL, where he played for teams including the Washington Capitals and Minnesota North Stars. Renowned for his scoring ability, he made history by becoming one of the few players to record 60 goals in a single season. Today, Denis remains actively involved in the hockey community, supporting charitable initiatives and sharing his experience to inspire the next generation of players.
Celebrity Ambassador
Kaleb Dahlgren
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 Volunteer
Parker Varnai
Parker Varnai joined The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation as Senior Public Relations & Communications Advisor where he supports their mission to create a world free from the fear of cancer. He has been involved in the game of hockey his entire life, and you can find him behind the bench as an Assistant Coach with the Hamilton Steel Jr. Hockey Club.
Tournament Volunteer
Keona Murthi
Keona Murthi is a dedicated community advocate and organizer committed to supporting charitable initiatives that make a meaningful impact. With a strong passion for philanthropy and event coordination, she plays an active role in bringing people together to support important causes. Through her involvement, Keona helps drive awareness and fundraising efforts that benefit those in need.
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