While TJ Brodie is most well known for being an NHL star, the Chatham-Kent native will be trying his hand at pickleball this weekend for a cause close to his heart.
TJ and his wife Amber Brodie, together with the Taylored Pickleball Academy, are hosting a pickleball tournament at Ken Houston Memorial Arena in Dresden on Friday and Saturday, to support The Lighthouse Foundation.
The Brodies created the Lighthouse Foundation several years ago to raise funds for cystic fibrosis (CF) and multiple sclerosis (MS) research — two causes that hit close to home for the couple.
TJ has watched his cousin, Ian Badder, live with and battle CF his entire life. As well, Amber was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in October of 2015.
“We wanted to do some fundraising for that and we thought the best way was to just start a foundation. That way we can raise money and donate to both [causes],” TJ said.
This weekend’s event, called The Rally at the Barn, will raise awareness and fundraise in support of those two causes through pickleball clinics and the tournament.
TJ said he initially thought of holding a golf tournament, but ultimately decided on the sport of pickleball. He said it’s a good chance to take part in a growing sport that many people may not have heard of.
“One of my dad’s buddies came up with the idea to have a pickleball tournament and I just thought it was something different that you actually get a chance to socialize with everyone there, unlike a golf tournament,” he said.
