Submitted photo
Dan Thomas, manager of the Margery E Yuill Cancer Centre, Tryp McFadzen (U17AAA South East Tigers player and cancer survivor/honouree), (Calgary Northstars captain Max Gunsten) and Arlene Kirwan (cancer survivor/honouree) pose before puck drop of the U17AAA South East Tigers annual cancer awareness game held Saturday. The SE Tigers U15AAA team also held a cancer awareness game to start the evening. The teams combined to raise more than $16,400, all proceeds to be donated to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre.
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
The U17AAA South East Tigers continued longstanding efforts for cancer awareness with another rendition of their annual cancer awareness game.
The SE Tigers, under the guidance of head coach Kevin Riehl, held the 10th annual charity game on Saturday to raise funds for the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre. This year’s event was expanded to include the U15AAA South East Tigers to further increase awareness and charitable support.
The U15AAA team hosted the LJAC Oil Kings and the U17AAA team faced the Calgary North Stars. A ceremonial puck drop and opening speeches acknowledged players and family members who are currently fighting cancer to commemorate the game’s events.
Despite both teams losing their respective games, they won in community support. The day’s events, featuring 50/50 sales, caramel popcorn and cookie sales, silent auction and jersey sales brought in 400-plus people in attendance and raised more than $16,400. All proceeds will be donated to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, which supports local citizens through all stages of their cancer battle. The funds will help local cancer patients through the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Provincial Patient Financial Assistance Program.
Leading up to Saturday’s event, both hockey teams visited the centre to learn more about how their team’s continuous fundraising efforts impact the centre and the community. Centre manager Dan Thomas toured the teenage athletes around the centre after hours, showing them state-of-the-art equipment and treatment spaces, while describing what patients experience during treatment at the centre.
