Late Connecticut Teen Honored in 3rd Annual Reindeer Games

<div class="block">In Connecticut, the third annual reindeer games made their return but this year&#39;s annual game was hosted in honor of a fallen teammate. Jimmy McGrath was fatally stabbed at a house party in 2022 and this holiday season, his former teammates made their way out to the field with McGrath as the motivation.</div>

On a Positive Note

OAPN: Late Connecticut Teen Honored in 3rd Annual Reindeer Games

Almost 50 lacrosse teams across Connecticut came together in their best Christmas get ups to honor the life of Jimmy mcgrath, one of their teammates, our Tom Krasowski takes us inside the third annual Reindeer Games as Jimmy's loved ones turn pain into purpose when we lost it. As her 18, 18 months ago, the lacrosse community has spent overwhelmingly supportive 17 year old Jimmy mcgrath, a Fairfield prep lacrosse player was fatally stabbed at a Shelton party in May 2022. 1 of his passions was giving back to the game he loved. Jimmy participated in this event in its infancy and it was just a great time, just the way he interacted with the kids and the way he was a leader. And you know, the way that, you know, he showed love, right? He showed love to our kids here in Bridgeport. We're just carrying on the tradition in his memory over the years. Reindeer Games has grown massively. Last year, there was 10 teams and this year there's 48 and a lot of them are coming to support Jimmy and it's the foundation we made for him to keep with Jimmy's fun, loving spirit. There's a dress code for the players. I think they're very creative and they, I really like them like this is, these are my buddies here. Look at these guys. They're, they're looking great, looking great, feeling great and they're playing great. Saturday was the rain date for this year's event, but his family believes it worked out all the better. Jimmy's birthday's on Monday. So I think he made us cancel and rebook. So we just have a good birthday weekend and it's making a difference. The Jimmy mcgrath Foundation donated $5000 to Bridge for Youth Lacrosse. In addition to the funds raised at the event, which will go towards equipment and enrichment programs. I can only imagine how happy he is looking down and watching this, but I know if he was here, this would be the best weekend ever. Well, no doubt that young man was a light to those around him in life and in death, we're sending all the positivity to his loved ones this holiday season.