A Life Full of Spirit
Justin Frampton was a devoted family man who brought joy and energy to everything he touched. As a young father with small children at home, Justin embodied the spirit of community, friendship, and unwavering positivity that defined his approach to life. Whether he was on the ultimate frisbee field, enjoying a friendly game of hockey with friends, or spending time with his family, Justin’s infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for others made him a beloved figure in his community.
At Mile Zero Ultimate, Justin wasn’t just a player – he was a leader who exemplified the very best of sportsmanship. His dedication to the sport’s core values of respect, fair play, and community earned him the coveted title of VP Spirit, recognizing his exceptional commitment to the spirit of the game. Justin understood that sports were about more than winning; they were about bringing people together and creating lasting bonds of friendship and support.
Finding Strength in Community
When Justin was diagnosed with brain cancer, his world changed – but his spirit remained unbroken. As a young adult facing this devastating diagnosis while caring for his young family, Justin discovered the incredible support network provided by Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). The organization’s programmes, resources, and community of peers helped him navigate the unique challenges that young adults face when battling cancer.
YACC didn’t just provide practical support – they gave Justin hope, connection, and the knowledge that he wasn’t alone in his fight. The impact was so profound that Justin became a passionate advocate for the organization, determined to help other young adults facing similar battles. He understood firsthand how crucial it was for young people with cancer to have access to age-appropriate support, resources, and a community that truly understood their journey.
From Player to Advocate
Justin’s experience with YACC transformed him from someone who needed support into someone who gave it freely. His advocacy work helped raise awareness about the unique needs of young adults facing cancer – a population often caught between paediatric and adult cancer services. Justin believed deeply in YACC’s mission and worked tirelessly to ensure other young people would have access to the same life-changing support he had received.
Even while battling his own illness, Justin remained committed to his community and to helping others. His selflessness and determination to make a difference, even in the face of his own challenges, inspired everyone who knew him and exemplified the spirit that made him such a cherished friend and family member.
The Tournament Legacy
After Justin’s passing, his friends and the ultimate frisbee community wanted to ensure his legacy of sportsmanship and community spirit would continue. The Mile Zero Ultimate summer leagues established the Justin Frampton Spirit of the Game Award, honouring players who embody the same values of respect, fair play, and positive attitude that Justin brought to every game.
But Justin’s impact extended beyond ultimate frisbee. Knowing his love for hockey and his passion for bringing people together for good causes, a group of his friends who were fortunate enough to know him banded together to create something special in his honour. Since 2016, the Justin Frampton Memorial Hockey Tournament has brought together players of all skill levels for a weekend of friendly competition and meaningful fundraising.
Our Mission
The purpose of this tournament is to honour our friend Justin Frampton. We accomplish this by organising a fun hockey tournament for recreational-level players where all the proceeds go to support Young Adult Cancer Canada. What started as friends wanting to honour their mate has grown into an annual tradition that perfectly captures Justin’s spirit – combining his love of sport with his commitment to helping others.
Tournament Format
This tournament is invitational and held annually as a co-ed recreational-level tournament in St. John’s, Newfoundland. There is limited ice time which keeps the teams to a minimum, and this also allows the organising committee to vet teams to ensure a lower level of play is maintained. The teams represented in the tournament are organised by those of us who were fortunate enough to know Justin, creating a close-knit community event that truly honours his memory.
Every game played and every dollar raised continues Justin’s advocacy work for YACC, ensuring that his impact on the lives of young adults facing cancer extends far beyond his own journey. Through this tournament, Justin’s spirit of giving, his advocacy for YACC, and his love of bringing people together continues to touch lives and create positive change.
His Spirit Lives On
Justin’s legacy lives on through every tournament game, every donation made, and every young adult who receives support from YACC because of funds raised in his memory. The tournament embodies everything Justin stood for – community, friendship, sportsmanship, and the unwavering belief that together, we can make a difference in the lives of others.
Today, when players lace up their skates for the Justin Frampton Memorial Hockey Tournament, they’re not just playing hockey – they’re continuing Justin’s fight against cancer and his mission to ensure no young adult faces cancer alone. The tournament serves as a reminder that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, we can choose to lift others up, create community, and leave the world a little bit better than we found it.
That’s exactly what Justin did, and that’s exactly what his tournament continues to do in his honour.
Join us in continuing Justin’s mission to support young adults facing cancer. Whether you participate in our tournament, make a donation to YACC, or simply spread awareness about the unique challenges young adults with cancer face, you’re helping to ensure Justin’s legacy of advocacy and community support lives on.
