Cubs hosting Movember-inspired awareness game Sunday

By JAMES TUBB on November 23, 2024.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

The Medicine Hat Cubs are curling their moustaches and donning special jerseys for an awareness game Sunday afternoon.

The Cubs are holding a Movember-inspired awareness game at the Kinplex when they host the Ponoka Stampeders. The 3 p.m. game will feature special jerseys in an effort to recognize men’s health month of November.

Medicine Hat’s HJHL club has long put an emphasis on the importance of mental health, with seminars and speakers for their players and a recurring game with a focus on reducing the stigma around mental health.

Cubs head coach and general manager Randy Wong says a focus on mental health, men’s prostate health and the importance of just talking about both is something they’re proud to be part of.

“Awareness of mental health, how it affects you as a teammate, you as a young man playing on the Cubs, you personally,” Wong said. “You may be fighting some things you didn’t know were issues, but you’re not sure where to go. The more we’re aware of the concern that someone will step up and ask for help, that’s the main thing of it all. Open up the awareness and communication lines to show people there are groups out there to support and help you.”

Wong says they will have mental health advocates Our Collective Journey at the game as well as a local prostate cancer support group set up in the lobby of the Kinplex. That’s also where the team will have a silent auction for the commemorative Movember-themed jerseys the Cubs will wear and a Movember draw basket with prizes available from different local businesses.

The Cubs were part of a cancer awareness game last weekend against Rocky on Nov. 17, a 9-4 win over the Rams. It was a weekend sweep for Medicine Hat, beating the Red Deer Vipers the night prior.

They’ll look to do the same this weekend, facing the High River Flyers on Friday in a game that was not complete by press time, and Sunday against Ponoka.

“We hope it’s a continuation of the good things that happened last weekend on the road, able to get a couple wins that were much needed from the previous couple of weeks prior to that,” Wong said. “We’re optimistic things are turning around and we’re playing better hockey. Finally getting a home game in the middle of another couple weeks after that on the road. So a small break, but again, a chance for friends and family to come watch us play and support Movember.”

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