Travis Roy Cup celebrates 20th anniversary
When the Tabor Academy and St. Sebastian ice hockey teams face each other in early February, the winner is always the Travis Roy Foundation.
Since its inception, the match, which doubles as a fundraiser, has raised more than $160,000 to help those with spinal cord injuries through the Travis Roy Foundation.
Feb. 6 marked the 20th anniversary of the Travis Roy Cup match between the Seawolves and St. Sebastian Arrows, held inside the arena’s namesake.
In May 1995, Travis Roy graduated from Tabor and joined Boston University’s team on a hockey scholarship.
His Division I hockey career lasted 11 seconds when, in his first game, Roy crashed head first into the boards. The accident severely damaged his spinal cord, and he was left paralyzed from the neck down.
Following the accident, Roy launched a career as a motivational speaker. He has traveled across New England generating donations for the Travis Roy Foundation.
“It’s great that people come out and want to be part of something special like this,” Roy said. “The help goes beyond Tabor alums. The South Coast community is very supportive.”
Altogether, the foundation has raised more than $6 million for research and to help those with spinal cord injuries live independently.
Roy, a member of Tabor’s Board of Trustees, attended Saturday’s game along with many other former students who stayed following an alumni match that morning.
“It’s really grown through the years,” said Associate Director of Athletics Kelly Walker about the cup. “It’s been a great event for both our schools.”
This year, Tabor claimed the cup with a decisive 4-1 over the Arrows.
Before the game, varsity and junior varsity players are tasked with raising funds in a 24-hour window before the puck drops. Donations are also collected at the arena for the foundation.
“The school has embraced Roy's mission of doing all he can to help others,” Walker said.