Number of Participants: 90
Hours Donated: 6
Value of Time Served: $18,787
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Boys Ice Hockey
School: Saint John's Preparatory School
Date: December 28, 2025
Location:
St. John's Prep
Spring Street, Danvers
MA
About:
On December 26 and 27, 2025, St. John’s Prep proudly hosted the 11th annual Frates Winter Classic hockey tournament at Essex Sports Center, continuing a powerful tradition rooted in remembrance, service, and impact.
Since its inception, the Winter Classic has brought together four longtime participants—St. John’s Prep, Boston College High School, Pope Francis High School, and Central Catholic High School—to honor the life and legacy of Pete Frates and his courageous battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
A 2003 graduate of St. John’s Prep, Pete Frates holds a special place in the school’s history and in the heart of the Eagles hockey program. A dedicated student-athlete during his time at SJP, Pete went on to become a global symbol of hope, resilience, and action through his tireless advocacy for ALS awareness. Hosting this tournament is both a tribute to Pete’s enduring impact and a reflection of the values he embodied.
Beyond honoring Pete and welcoming his family—who attend the tournament each year—the Winter Classic is driven by two meaningful goals: raising awareness about ALS and generating funds to support those affected by the disease. Proceeds from the event benefit the Pete Frates Family Foundation, which assists individuals and families living with ALS, as well as the Pete Frates Fund at St. John’s Prep, which annually provides financial aid to a deserving SJP student.
Two moments stood out as especially powerful highlights of this year’s tournament. Prior to the games, Pete’s father, John Frates, and brother, Andrew Frates, visited the SJP locker room to share reflections on Pete’s life, values, and lasting influence—an experience that left a deep impression on players and coaches alike.
Another unforgettable element was the set of special game jerseys designed by this year’s captains. The display included a jersey placed on Pete’s chair, the tournament trophy, a nod to the iconic Ice Bucket Challenge that helped fuel Pete’s fundraising movement, and a photo of Pete from his playing days at St. John’s Prep—powerful symbols connecting past, present, and purpose.
Through the Frates Winter Classic, St. John’s Prep continues to ensure that Pete Frates’ legacy lives on—on the ice, in the community, and in the ongoing fight to end ALS.
