The Lakeland College King’s Energy Group Rustlers women’s hockey team is hosting a Hockey Fights Cancer fundraiser at the Russ Robertson Arena on Dec. 10. File Photo
Jamie Harkins/Special to the Source
Who do you fight for?
Asha Petrie, a forward for the Lakeland College King’s Energy Group Rustlers women’s hockey team, is fighting for her recently deceased grandfather Melvin Espetveidt. Rustlers assistant coach Warren Noble is fighting for his sister and aunt who are both currently battling cancer.
“In August, my grandpa got diagnosed with stage four cancer and in October he passed away,” said Petrie, 19, as a tear ran down her cheek.
“We do these little sheets, they say I Fight For, and last year I didn’t really know anyone personally in my life who I would fight for a cure. Then, this year, it’s kind of crazy how things can escalate really fast.”
The Rustlers are hosting their second annual Hockey Fights Cancer game this Saturday at the Russ Robertson Arena.
The fundraiser will feature a match between the Rustlers and a team comprised of former players and female community supporters with puck drop set for 7 p.m.
Noble said the Rustlers Fight Cancer game last winter raised $3,700 and this year they’re hoping to bring in $7,000 with all proceeds from the contest going to the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation Cancer Ward.
He said they’ve already surpassed last year’s total with an expectation the funds gathered through their online auction, found at https://www.32auction.com/lcrwh, and by the silver plate collection at the door pushing them past the goal.
“Cancer touches everybody,” said Noble.
“Morgan (Mann) and I talked about it a year ago. We wondered where the money should go and how we could distribute it. We talked about the Terry Fox Foundation, but we came to the conclusion it should go to the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation because then it actually goes directly right back into the community. People go and have their treatments there. It’s comfortable for them and it’s in the Lloydminster area.”
Petrie said the night is fun for the players and everyone involved thanks to its focus on bringing people, who may not see each other that often, together again. She said it’s also easy to rally behind as a good cause.
“So much of our support is from the community,” she said. “So, it’s really nice to give back.”
