Greetings!
We had a amazing fund raising weekend at Copper Mountain, shared laughs at Stand Up for Dawg Nation and now get ready for the premier event of summer: Dawg Bowl!
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It was another sensational weekend at Copper Mountain in February as Dawg Nation held its third annual Pond Hockey Tournament and Auction.
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Once again, Dave (in orange) and Amanda Repsher were front and center. Dave, a flight nurse and hockey player, was severely burned in a July 2015 Flight for Life helicopter crash. In need of a kidney, Matt Martinez (right) donated one to Dave in 2017.
Dawg Nation presented the Resphers' proceeds from the two previous pond hockey events. This time, Dave invited his teammates to the stage during Saturday night’s auction. One, Piotr Fryzlewicz, has a young daughter battling a rare genetic disorder.
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With Emi looking on, the Dawgs raised $62,000 to help the family.
“Thank you all,” Piotr said through tears. “It was the most unbelievable, amazing and breathtaking moment in my life. The love is overwhelming. On behalf of our angel Emi, kisses, hugs and a huge thank you to all of you, our hockey family!”
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On the ponds, the action was non-stop. Champions were crowned in four divisions.
A Division - Loan Rangers
B Division - Big Dawgs
C Division - Thumbs Up
D Division - COS Dawgs
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Laughs and Heroes Mix Well
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In March, a sellout was at Comedy Works for the 7th annual Stand Up For Dawg Nation night. MC Vic Alejandro with comedians John Novosad and Josh Blue (above) left ‘em laughing and cheering for more.
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The Dawgs always recognize a veteran at this event who represents what it means to give back. We were thrilled to honor U.S. Army SGT. Jason Shepperly. “Shep” was recently awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, a rarely given medal. It is one of over 20 medals and honors for his heroism in battle.
Dawg Nation Ambassador Jake Schroeder (center) and DN President Todd Gehrke led the applause.
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"While conducting a convoy mission, his platoon came under an ambush that destroyed his vehicle and critically wounded his entire crew. After dressing his own wounds, he made his way to the gunner and dressed his wounds.
He sustained eight open fractures on his left leg and contracted a massive bone infection that required IV antibiotics for over a year. After undergoing 47 surgeries, SGT Shep is walking around and says that he sometimes even forgets he’s ever been injured." - From Dawg Nation board member Mike Freeman's introduction.
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The Dawgs presented a check to Dr. Rob Meguid. The good doc fell seriously ill during a vacation to Australia. After weeks in intensive care, Dr. Meguid was medevaced home.
Dawg Nation's Mike Freeman, Todd Gehrke and the Dawgfather, Martin Richardson were proud to help Rob and Cheryl as they face a mountain of medical bills.
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Dr. Meguid is an avid hockey player. In March, Dr. Rob and Dawg Nation's Mike Freeman enjoyed a skate.
It was Rob's first time back on the ice in the 6 months since his near fatal illness.
Here's to Rob lacing 'em up more and more as his strength returns!
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All told, Dawg Nation raised over $45,000, a record amount for this event and will use those funds to help those in need in the Colorado hockey community.
Thanks to Aspen Industries for their sponsorship of the event.
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In February, the U.S. Women’s National Sled Hockey team played exhibitions in Monument and Littleton. The team features Robynne Hill of Fountain.
Dawg Nation was there to talk about our Rink Project which will be the first 3 sheet hockey arena that supports both disabled and able bodied athletes.
Women’s sled hockey is not an Olympic sport, but players and coaches expect it will be added for the 2022 Games in Beijing.
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Congratulations to the U.S. Men’s team that won the Gold at the Paralympics in South Korea. Four members of Colorado Sled Hockey were on the team.
To (left to right) Ralph DeQuebec, Tyler Carron, Nikko Landeros and Rico Roman well done! The U.S. team beat Canada in overtime for the Gold. The President of Colorado Sled Hockey, Bruce Grandchamp (back left), and Cap joined the boys at a recent Colorado event.
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Porter was joined by moms Sarah and Jen, a hockey player, and brother Aden.
In November, Dawg Nation presented Sarah and Jen with a check for $12,425 to help cover some of the mounting medical bills.
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In March, there was a special day for Porter Johnson who has leukemia.
The Dawgs nominated Porter who then joined a group of kids, and Avs center Gabe Landeskog at the Kroenke Sports Foundation Annual Brunch.
The fundraiser aids children with illnesses.
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Giving back is what Dawg Nation is all about. In seven years we've helped over 100 families in times of need with over $1,000,000 in recipient aid.
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Dennis (center) and Shannon Baker knew something was wrong when their 8 year old son, Brady, didn’t want to go to hockey practice. Brady needed an emergency appendectomy.
The Dawgs were happy to help this hockey family cover some medical expenses.
Brady made a full recovery and now plays for a travel squirt A team at LHA (Littleton Hockey Association).
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I met Sean Gagnon at a Rockies game several years ago. He was battling ALS, but could talk and we had a terrific time laying out the pros and cons of a Rox playoff run.
Sean’s condition has worsened since then. His ability to think and his spirit have not.
Sean recently posted his first in what will be a monthly column at the Dawg Nation website. It's on the importance of the Dawg Nation Rink Project and why it matters to so many.
Sean is a hockey player and coach and as one battling ALS, he brings a unique perspective. "It's great to feel like I have a purpose again," Sean said of his writing. "You kind of lose that when you can't go anywhere. Very thankful for Martin to include me in this project!!"
Sean uses an “eye gaze control system" to write. His eye movement selects letters and words. His thoughts are no less amazing than how he gets them on paper.
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On May 8, there will be a special screening of the film "Augie." Augie Nieto founded Life Fitness. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. Since then, Augie's Quest has raised over $45M for research to find a cure.
The movie will show at The Regal Interquest Theaters, 1120 Interquest Parkway, Colorado Springs. Times to follow.
Sean Gagnon will be there and will address the audience!
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The annual showdown is June 21-24 at the Edge Arena. 42 teams in 7 divisions will battle it out. Past and present NHL stars will compete in the top division.
As always, amazing auction items, fabulous food and special presentations make it a must-do event.
The Survivor game is Saturday featuring those who have beaten life threatening injury or illness. The weekend is free. See you there!
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To Our Suporters, Donors, Partners, and Sponsors ...Thank You!
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This newsletter was written and edited by Jeff Kingery. Photos by Kelli Packard and Mike Freeman. Thanks to Sean Gagnon, Martin Richardson, Rob and Steve Packard for their assistance.
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Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation
720 432 9471
PO Box 182
Indian Hills, CO 80454
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