NORTH ARLINGTON, N.J. — More than 100 hockey players and hundreds of supporters came together June 20 at the Inline Skating Club of America to honor Park Ridge resident and longtime coach Tom Smith as he prepares to undergo a stem cell transplant in his fight against multiple myeloma.
The charity tournament drew more than 400 family members, friends, former players, teammates, coaches and supporters, raising money for Smith and his family while celebrating his decades of involvement in local hockey and baseball.
Smith, a Park Ridge husband, father of four, baseball coach and Ramapo Saints hockey coach, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow, in November. His treatment includes intensive chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and a lengthy recovery.
“I have played in several of these charity tournaments in my life, so it’s very strange to be on this side of it,” Smith said.
Friends describe Smith as someone who is always willing to lend a hand, mentor a young athlete, organize an event or bring people together through hockey and baseball. Over the years, he has coached countless players, competed alongside generations of teammates and built friendships that stretch across communities and decades.
When news of his diagnosis spread, those friendships quickly turned into action.
Smith’s sister, Lori, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset mounting medical expenses and treatment-related costs. Community members responded immediately, while local businesses, friends and family members organized additional fundraising efforts. Uncle Louie G’s in Park Ridge hosted an ice cream fundraiser, and support continued to pour in from every corner of Smith’s extensive hockey network.
Denis Jelcic, owner of the Inline Skating Club of America, organized the “Skate for Tommy” charity tournament after friends and members of the local hockey community looked for ways to support Smith.
“Tommy has done so much for so many people,” Jelcic said. “Organizing an event of this magnitude for a person of that magnitude makes you feel good.”
What began as an idea quickly grew into a community-wide effort. More than 100 players suited up across 12 teams. Volunteers organized food donations, raffles and memorabilia auctions to benefit the Smith family, while massage therapists donated their time to help weary players recover between games.
The day began with one of its most memorable moments when Smith’s daughter, Molly, sang the national anthem before the opening puck drop.
Players then took the ice wearing specially designed jerseys created by Smith’s longtime friend and linemate, Mike Azzarone. Each jersey featured Smith’s No. 16 and a captain’s “C,” honoring the leadership he has demonstrated throughout his playing and coaching career, including captaining Bergenfield’s 2007 national championship roller hockey team.
“Designing these jerseys for the tournament was about so much more than hockey; it was about standing beside Tommy in his fight against cancer,” Azzarone said. “Every detail was chosen with purpose. We kept the classic retro style to honor the teams Tommy proudly played for and coached over the years.”
For Azzarone, the goal was simple.
“Our hope was that when Tommy looked around the rink, he’d see a sea of No. 16 jerseys and know that every person wearing one is standing with him,” he said. “It’s a reminder that this fight isn’t his alone.”
Attendees could trace Smith’s hockey journey simply by reading the jerseys worn throughout the tournament. Teams from different eras of his playing and coaching career were represented, a testament to the countless relationships he has built over the years. Former teammates stood alongside longtime rivals. Players he once coached returned as adults, some now bringing their own children to the rink.
The Bruins, led by a pair of children of players Smith once coached, captured the tournament championship. Their victory reflected the lasting impact Smith has had across generations of players and families.
But by the end of the day, the final score felt secondary to the purpose of the event.
For Smith’s wife, Kristine, the day offered a glimpse into just how many lives her husband has touched.
“What an incredible day for Tommy and our family,” she said. “Words can’t express how grateful and blessed we truly feel. I always knew Tommy was part of a great hockey community, but I never realized just how amazing — and big — it was.
“We’re so thankful to everyone who showed up for Tommy. It was a day we’ll never forget.”
For Smith, the outpouring of support has been both humbling and inspiring.
“I’ve spent so many years at the hockey rink, but I’ve never seen anything like this,” Smith said. “Seeing all those jerseys, all those familiar faces, and all the people supporting my family meant more than I can put into words.
“To see people from every part of my life in hockey — teammates, opponents, players I’ve coached, their kids, and even people I don’t know — come together like that was overwhelming.
“I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank everyone, but I do know that this love and support will help me through this next phase of the battle.”
As he prepares to enter the hospital for a stem cell transplant and the lengthy recovery that follows, Smith said the encouragement he has received from friends, family, former players, teammates and complete strangers has given him strength during one of the most difficult chapters of his life.
Those wishing to support Tom Smith and his family may contribute to the GoFundMe campaign Supporting Tommy Smith in His Fight Against Multiple Myeloma.
— Via Team Bergenfield Roller Hockey Club