OUR MISSION
Every Puck Dropped Is Another Chance at Hope.
Every Puck Dropped Is Another Chance at Hope.
1975 – 2023
Pavel Grekov was the definition of a self‑made man with a heart of gold. Born in Kazakhstan in 1975, he came to Toronto in 1999 at just 24 years old — alone, with no family, no contacts, and English as his second language. He began in an entry‑level sales role at Kraft Canada and went on to build a successful career with respected companies including Dr. Oetker, McCain Foods, Aryzta Bakery, and Advantage Solutions, where he worked closely with Tim Hortons. Along the way, he formed lasting friendships and earned the respect of everyone he met.
Outside of work, Pavel was a highly regarded Brazilian jiu‑jitsu professor at All Canadian Martial Arts. His dojo was his sanctuary — where he recharged, found purpose, and lived by the values that shaped him: honor, integrity, discipline, presence, loyalty, and service.
But above all, Pavel's greatest pride was his family. Determined to build the loving home he never had, he married his soulmate, Vanessa, in 2005, and together they raised their two children, Nicolai and Sasha, who were the center of his world. Pavel showed up for everything — every game, every milestone, every moment — always putting his family first.
He was kind, sharp‑witted, endlessly curious, and unforgettable to anyone who crossed his path. Whether discussing world events or sharing a laugh, Pavel left an impression.
A cherished chapter of his life was the hockey journey he shared with Nicolai. New to the sport, Pavel learned the game alongside his son — from the early days of suggesting Nicolai puts pajama pants under his hockey gear (not knowing any better at that time!) to cheering from the stands as Nicolai played AA defense across the GTHL. His booming "Hit the net!" became a familiar sound in rinks across the West End.
In June 2022, everything changed when Pavel was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma. The prognosis was devastating — 12 to 18 months, no cure. His greatest fear was leaving his family. Yet even in the face of this reality, Pavel showed remarkable courage and optimism, often saying "I'm going to beat this," and imagining a future where he could inspire others by surviving the impossible.
Every puck dropped is a reminder of why we play — not just for the love of the game, but for every family still fighting.
We use the power of sport to shine a light on cancer and diabetes — conditions that silently impact millions of Canadians and their families each year.
We believe that healing happens together. Our events bring players, families, and supporters into a circle of shared strength, purpose, and joy.
Every dollar raised goes directly to trusted charities funding research, patient support, and education — because real change requires real resources.
We envision a future where every person touched by cancer or diabetes knows they are not alone — where communities rally, where athletes inspire, and where the love of sport translates directly into life-saving support.
Our goal is to grow Puck Cancer & Diabetes into an annual flagship event that raises over $100,000 per year, funds breakthrough research, and becomes a model for sport-based charity events across Canada.
Whether you lace up skates, donate, or simply spread the word — every action moves us closer to a world free from cancer and diabetes.
