Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

EVERY CHILD MATTERS GAME

Third annual Every Child Matters game brings superstars to Kamloops to talk hockey, reconciliation

Sep 8, 2025 | 4:21 PM

KAMLOOPS – Saturday evening (Sept. 6), Sandman Centre was host to the third annual Every Child Matters hockey game. The event was not just about hockey but about continuing the conversation around truth and reconciliation.

“The Orange Shirt Society, we have events to keep what happened to us and the children that keep the conversation on the radar of Canadians. That’s how this fits into that — we need to keep remembering and talking,” said Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Society.

Jordin Tootoo was among many of the stars attending. The former NHL player says he’s proud to represent his community.

“Me being a role model for our people truly humbles me. To see a lot of smiling faces, especially the young kids, because it’s about them. It’s about the next generation to lead and have the right mindset, having clarity and being comfortable and content, your own skin,” said Tootoo a team captain of the game.

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: The free-for-all in politics

5h ago

CFJC-TV

Kamloops born-and-raised Dylana Kneeshaw to succeed Bill O'Donovan as CFJC-TV lead anchor

Dec 13, 2025

TWO & OUT

PETERS: Boyle's supportive housing move is data-driven decision-making gone wrong

Dec 12, 2025

Orange jerseys could be seen throughout the arena, from players to fans. It’s a dream achieved by its founders.

“I like seeing when the kids are out there and they have smiles on their faces. They’re wearing their jersey proudly. From when we started this, it’s just been overwhelming. I’ve been across the country now and being able to see these jerseys across Canada, it’s just an honour to be able to see this movement and being present for it,” said Tyler Fuller, co-founder of the Orange Jersey Project.

Team Orange took the victory, but winning was not the only goal of this event.

“To show our people that, when we come together, whether we’re athletes, businesspeople, great things happen. For us as hockey players to come together. A lot of the old-timers, you know, a lot of veteran players, it’s about sharing the stories and reminiscing,” said Tootoo.

“Every child matters in the past, the present and the future for survivors. We were children when we were at those so-called schools. They’re adults and elders now. But they mattered and the ones who never came home,” said Webstad.

The future of the event is guaranteed, but where it will take place next year is still unknown.