NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
The Medicine Hat Cubs circle around the families of three former player, passed away last year and were honoured in pre-game ceremonies before the Cubs 4-3 win over the Red Deer Rebels Sunday night.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
The Medicine Hat Cubs made it known at their memorial game Sunday, “Even if you came here alone, you are not alone.”
That message came from Breanne Mellen, a suicide prevention program co-ordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association, who spoke at centre ice before puck drop about mental health and knowing when to ask for help. The game was in honour of three former players who passed away from suicide last year.
Former teammates of the three players from the 2003-’04 season were in attendance and presented their families with flowers and showcased the retro commemorative jerseys that were worn by Cubs players and auctioned off after the game. The total raised through the auctions was $4,970 and will be going to Canadian Mental Health.
After receiving substantial inquiries, the Cubs will be selling commemorative jerseys for $155 each with $50 going to CMHA. Anyone interested in purchasing a jersey must do so by Dec. 15., and can reach out to the Cubs via email at medhatcubs@gmail.com with questions, or see their social media platforms for more information.
Cubs president Troy Sandau said the night was a good tribute to the three former Cubs, who he knew, and said he appreciated the support they received Sunday night.
“We can’t thank the support from the community enough, especially in a game like this,” Sandau said. “It means a lot not only to our club but also the community as well that we acknowledge what is going on out there, and it’s something special to see Inner Man Project come in and set up their stuff here and the same for Canadian Mental Health.
The Cubs won the memorial game 4-3 against the Red Deer Vipers on goals from Cooper Hillworth, Colby Friedrich and two from Jacob Milne. But the night was about more than the game.
Mitchell Serr’s mother, Cathryn Treiber, said the memorial was special and hopes people get something out of the game.
“We lost a lot of young men in 2020 and I just don’t want anyone else to go thorough what our families have gone through,” trekker said.
Inner Man Project and the CMHA had tables set up in the lobby with information on mental health assistance and awareness. The Cubs have made mental health awareness an organizational focus this season. They put on a mental health seminar during the second day of training camp and held a tailgate barbecue to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association before the home opener.
Sandau hopes people see the Cubs as an organization that cares about more than just the hockey player.
“We care about the people outside the rink, and not only alumni are affected, a lot of people are affected from this. We just want to say there is a problem out there and it’s OK to talk about it,” Sandau said.
Cubs head coach and general manager Randy Wong says his team took the game to heart and he was glad they could get the two points in the win. Wong, who’s coached the three players on various teams, said he thinks they hit the nail on the head with the memorial game and hopes people now know there is help available if they need it.
“So, really, we want to bring awareness to that cause and I think the families certainly appreciate it and I know our guys, that was a big thing, too, our guys we don’t know if they need some support,” Wong said. “Now they see that it’s there and that the community is behind them and certainly I think we are going to move forward always keeping those guys in our thoughts that some families lost their sons out there and we’re certainly happy to continue the tradition of the Cubs and continue to play.”
Before the memorial game, the Cubs won big last Saturday, beating the High River Flyers 10-2. They are in second place in the South division of the HJHL with a record of 15-5-2.
They will have two games at the Kinplex this weekend as they face the Kainai Junior Braves on Saturday at 8:15 p.m.. and on Sunday, they look to seek revenge on the Okotoks Bisons whom they lost to in overtime in their last match up. Puck drop for that game is 2:45 p.m.
