Darren was and continues to be the prime mover in the organization of a charity high school hockey tournament that has raised $750,000 over a period of sixteen years to assist students with serious medical problems. He reports that from his earliest memories hockey was in his blood. Born and raised in Crooked Creek he skated on the local outdoor rink (Ridgevalley) and played minor hockey (Squirt through Midget) in nearby Valleyview. Following graduation from high school he played senior hockey in the North Peace Hockey League with a newly formed team from Sexsmith. At the University of Alberta he played hockey in the highly competitive Division One Intramural League. Were it not for a serious eye injury he would likely be coaching kids and serving as a referee today in the game he loves. However, he finds fulfillment in the continuing role he plays with the Tri-District (3D) Charity Hockey Tournament that involves grades four to twelve students in the Peace Wapiti Catholic and Public Schools and serving as a founding committee member on the GP Legends of Hockey Project.