By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
Coaching and playing hockey in the Siouxland area was the life and love of the late Sioux City native TJ Reinsch.
"He worked at all levels of hockey. From 5 year olds to high school hockey. He gave a lot to the community. He was a great guy, great coach, and a great person," said friend Kevin Lohry.
Three years ago, TJ passed away at the age of 37 from a rare autoimmune disease, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or (TTP).
In his honor, on Sunday, friends and lovers of the sport came together to play in the "3rd Annual TJ Memorial Cup" in Sioux City.
The tournament put on by the "TJ Reinsch Youth Hockey Foundation" raises money to help young hockey players learn and play the game.
"The best thing about it is, is that we get to remind ourselves that we all grew up in this program playing youth hockey, and it's time to give back," said Dirk Richou of the foundation. "That's what TJ did. He played and gave back through coaching."
60 players took part in the tournament raising about $3,500 dollars that will be given back to "Learn to Skate" programs in the Siouxland area.
"The program as far as funds gets bigger each year," said Richou. "And we're able to provide more and more every year."
Friends and family of TJ said that if he were here today he would be very proud that his life and love of hockey still lives on.
If you would like to learn more about TJ's story or learn how to donate to the "TJ Reinsch Youth Hockey Foundation", visit http://www.wholoveshockey.org/.
