NHLer Ryan Ellis helps rebuild playgrounds in Hamilton

Ryan Ellis of the Nashville Predatorsis giving back with a new charity golf classic designed to rebuild playgrounds in his hometown of Hamilton.

Ellis, a Freelton native, will host the firstRyan Ellis Charity Golf Classic on June 27. Organizers expect it will draw about a dozen NHL stars.

I would like to see every kid have the same opportunities I was given while growing up.- Ryan Ellis

Proceeds from thefirst classic will go towardrevitalizing St. Christopher's Park, a struggling playground in an industrial neighbourhood of Hamilton.

Kids use the playground structure a lot, but it's at the end of its life, said Alex Moroz, a Parks Hamilton community liaison co-ordinator. It's so old that the city can't find replacement parts, so pieces of the structure are missing.

Meanwhile, the industrial neighbourhood doesn't have much green space. So when Ellis's team contacted the city, Moroz said, "We were very excited."

Kevin Byrne, aspokesperson for the Elly4Kids Foundation, said Ellis "makes pretty good money" and wanted to give back.

"He played a lot of his hockey in Hamilton and surrounding area," Byrne said. "It's his hometown."

The tournament is a way to "extend my heartfelt appreciation to the people of Hamilton for the support I received throughout my youth," Ellis said in a newsrelease.

"My success is a result of the support of many friends, family and the greater Hamilton community at large. I would like to see every kid have the same opportunities I was given while growing up."

Ellis hopes to raise $30,000 at the first tournament. He also hopes other Hamilton businesses and organizations will get on board.

The tournament will be at the Beverly Golf and Country Club in Copetown, Ont.

After the tournament, Ellis will host an awards dinner and silent auction. NHLers will be on hand to sign autographs.