Rec league hockey players got the chance to lace them up with former NHL pros and raise money for a good cause at the 18th Hockey Helps the Homeless Friday.

The annual day-long tournament — which takes place in cities across Canada — featured former pros like Dave McLlwain, Mark “Trees” Laforest, and Dennis Maruk skating alongside local hockey players in a bid to raise money for organizations such as Belinda’s Place and Salvation Army Gateway.

“The money goes directly to help the homeless within the community where the event is held,” event spokesman Marsha Fadgen said.

Teams in both men’s and women’s divisions are allocated two former NHL or Olympic players for the rink.

The Toronto Sun was one of the event’s sponsors. Sun photographer Jack Boland played two games on the same ice as Maruk and McLlwain Friday morning.

“It was fun to play with former NHL guys,” Boland said. “You can actually see them turn it up.”

The fundraising goal for 2013 is $350,000. Donations can be made at hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com.