Four teams participated in the tournament Sunday, each wearing jerseys with the Christian Doll memorial logo. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

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Community shows out for Christian Doll hockey tournament

Apr 6, 2025 | 5:48 PM

Hundreds of people came out to a memorial hockey tournament held Sunday at the Big Marble Go Centre for a Medicine Hat teenager who died last year.

Hundreds of people stopped by, sat in the stands and or watched the games from outside the rink on Sunday. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

Christian Doll, an avid Medicine Hat hockey player, passed away on July 26, 2024, at the age of 15.

The Doll family originally planned a single memorial game before it evolved into a tournament featuring four different teams of players, many of who had played with Christian.

Christian’s mother, father and sister gathered at centre ice to remember their son and brother and thank the over 50 players participating in the tournament.

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“The past eight months have been the most difficult time of our lives with this unimaginable loss,” Josie Doll, Christian’s mother said.

“Losing Christian so suddenly and tragically has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled.”

She said Christian was more than a hockey player, he was a friend with a good sense of humour that he used to bring people together.

The Christian Doll Memorial Tournament was a chance to honour his legacy, too.

“Every cheer, every goal, every moment shared feels like a little piece of our boy Christian is with us,” said Josie.

The tournament was a chance for many to honour Christian Doll’s legacy. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

“Seeing his name honoured, his memory celebrated and so many people coming together for him, it brings us both tears and comfort,” she added

“It reminds us that Christian is not forgotten. It reminds us that he touched lives. And it reminds us that we’re not alone.”

Mike Doll, Christian’s father, thanks the players participating in the tournament. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

Mike Doll, Christian’s father, said his son’s friends have been there supporting the Doll family in the time following Christian’s passing.

“Despite the fact that all of you are young, you have all been pillars to us,” said Mike, adding that he can see the impact Christian had on their lives, from what they say to how they say it.

Four teams are battling to win the Christian Doll Memorial Tournament. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

He said Sunday was going to be a good day as Christian’s memory is kept alive.

“We thank the players for playing today with their hearts on their sleeves and Christian in their soul,” Mike said.

“I know he’s looking down on us all gathered here today with a smile but also an expectation that you all give it your all out here today.”