Official visits Hospital

Between recent officiating assignments, young NHL referee Gord Dwyer took time out of his busy schedule to visit children on January 3rd at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Ft. Worth, Texas. With a hectic schedule, including 28 days on the road in January, Gord left his home outside Toronto at 4:00 in the morning so he could arrive in time to visit children during the weekly teen night at the hospital. He was to work the Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks hockey game the next night in Dallas and made the stop at the hospital with former Central Hockey League (CHL) linesmen Tim Zemens.

Armed with his NHL sweater, mini sticks, dozens of pucks, and a smile, Gord greeted kids in the Hospital’s teen room and made additional visits to patient’s rooms. His quick wit, outgoing personality and story telling made new hockey fans of children who were unfamiliar with pro hockey. He stayed at the hospital until every child available was seen and answered many questions from delighted kids and parents alike.

Dwyer made the visit to the hospital on behalf of the Hoffen Foundation whom he has committed to helping. The Hoffen Foundation was started by Tim Zemens whom Gord befriended while skating in the Central Hockey League on his way up to the NHL level.

The time Gordy took to sign autographs, visit with the children and bring a smile to kids going through treatments left a lasting impression on those who saw him play with the children.

HOFFEN FOUNDATION

Tim Zemens of Arlington, Texas established the non-profit Hoffen Foundation during the summer of 2003, with the help of his brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Karen Zemens of Lenox, Michigan. The name “Hoffen” is German for “hope”, an action and emotion crucial to overcoming obstacles and challenges in life. It is the desire of the Zemens to carry out fund raising events to benefit charitable groups that may cultivate such hope for children throughout the United States and Canada.

The mission of the Hoffen Foundation is ever expanding as new areas of need come to light. The main focus is to assist children with differing diseases, disabilities and socioeconomic challenges by raising money to enhance the ability of existing organizations to provide new programs and ongoing assistance. That assistance may be in the form of toys during the holidays, clothes and educational supplies for the school year, financial assistance for medical facilities, organizations or needs, funding to support outings to stimulate children’s imaginations and opportunities to engage in activities they may otherwise not experience.

Tim Zemens, a cancer survivor, has been participating in charitable activities through different groups in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and in conjunction with his love of hockey officiating in the Central Hockey League. Establishing the Hoffen Foundation has been a cumulative effect. His personal experience surviving cancer, losing family to the disease and ultimately experiencing the positive effects of friends and family reaching out during difficult times fostered the desire to give back to the community. Helping children’s charities reach their goals is just the beginning.

Gord’s support of the Hoffen Foundation started when he attended his first NHL training camp. He donated a NHL referee’s sweater signed by all officials who attended the 2003/2004 camp. His gift was used as an auction item.