The Matthew D Griffin Memorial Hockey Tournament to support the GriffStrong16 Scholarship Fund will be played from 2 to 7 p.m. April 6 at the Ed Burns Memorial Skating rink in Arlington.
The purpose of the GriffStrong16 Scholarship Fund is to help deserving young men and women who are working to obtain a college education in the field of nursing by providing an annual scholarship in memory of Arlington resident Matthew D. Griffin.
Griffin was a vibrant young man who along with many other interests had a passion for hockey. He played youth hockey for the Arlington Hockey Club since he was 5 years old. He had many highlights playing for the Arlington travel teams which culminated with his Midget team winning the state championship. His career continued in high school where he played on the varsity hockey team for three years.
Griffin captained the 2007 Arlington High School hockey team, leading them into the state tournament his senior year. He was a leader on and off the ice. His love for the game was matched by his love for his teammates and friends.
Griffin attended Curry College and graduated with a nursing degree. Once graduated, he worked at Lahey Clinic in Burlington where his love of nursing grew stronger each shift. While working and studying for the nursing boards, Griffin was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Griffin's will to become a nurse never altered; he continued to study while receiving numerous and aggressive treatments to battle the cancer. He battled endlessly and with courage throughout. He never quit, as quitting was not in his makeup. Matthew Griffin lost his battle with this disease on Dec. 26, 2014, at age 25.
The Matthew D Griffin Memorial Hockey Tournament combines two of his many passions: hockey and nursing.
For more information on the GriffStrong16 Scholarship Fund, scholarship recipients and the team's competing at the tournament, visit https://griffstrong16.com.
The games are open to the public, and all are welcome. Questions can be emailed to griffstrong16@gmail.com.