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Enjoy our 4th Quarter newsletter, as Dawg Nation tees it up, runs and walks the Avs 5K, helps some special people and gets set for a big event with Denver University and the reigning NCAA hockey champs.
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The 7th Annual Dawg Nation Golf Tournament and live auction was a big success, raising $55,000. The funds help those in the hockey community that are in need.
This year's event was held on September 11. With 9/11 in mind, our theme was recognizing a hero. The Dawg-Father, Martin Richardson picks up the story.
"Anyone that follows Dawg Nation also follows the incredible journey of Dave Repsher. Back in 2015, that journey included a six month induced coma that resulted in Dave's kidneys shutting down. Five nights a week of brutal kidney dialysis has been Dave's routine ever since....until now!!
In August, Dave's prayers were answered in the form of an angel named Matt Martinez. Matt donated one of his kidneys to Dave."
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Matt (right) had never met Dave. Matt is a single father of two. Unselfish, brave, kind, hero, are all words that come to mind when describing Matt. A month after the transplant surgery, the two were at our tournament.
Watch their emotional story and the heroes welcome both were given
HERE.
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October 7th was a special night for Dawg Nation founder and Executive Director Martin Richardson.
The Dawg Father was inducted into the Metro State Hall of Fame. Yes, before he laced up the skates, Cap was a star soccer player for the Roadrunners.
Metro opened the doors to the Hall for Martin's athletic prowess, and also for the amazing work he has done in creating Dawg Nation and giving back to the community.
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Martin with (left to right) daughters Sydney and Alexi, wife Cindy, daughter Brittany Clark and her husband Trevor Clark.
"So many memorable moments made this night one that I will cherish forever. Thank you MSU Denver, thank you to everyone that helped make this night possible and thank you to everyone that took the time out of their busy lives to be with me on my special day. I am one very, very lucky guy."
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A HELPING PAW
Giving back is what Dawg Nation is all about. In just over six years we've been able to aid over 80 families in times of need.
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Tom Petersen was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. Wife Angie is a hockey player and has competed in our Dawg Bowl on numerous occasions.
Along with a check for $21,500, Dawg Nation's Milan Hejduk presented Tom with a signed jersey featuring his number. Angie was smiling after a kiss on the check from Milan.
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This summer, Marcus Christian suffered life threatening injuries after his motorcycle collided with a bus. Now out of a coma, this newlywed and father to be is still on a long road to recovery.
In Windsor, in October, DN board members Mike Freeman (front row-far right) and Greg Clinard (2nd row-far left) presented a check for over $10,000 to Marcus and his family. We wish Marcus a full recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the ice!!
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Adam Rogers is a Colorado referee who suffered a severe leg injury recently. At the Avs 5K, Adam (with daughter Mila on his lap and daughter McKinlee walking) was pushed around the course by the Dawg-Father, Martin Richardson.
Later, Dawg Nation presented Adam a check for over $10,000 to aide in his recovery and rehabilitation. Adam's young son, Riley, said, "Wow, that would buy a lot of X-boxes!"
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RUNNIN' AND WALKIN' WITH THE AVS
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Over 500 participated in the annual Colorado Avalanche 5K in October. Thank you to our friends at the Avs who donated over $2,500 from registration fees to Dawg Nation!
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The runners and walkers included none other than Watson, the Saint Bernard who was given as a puppy to Bretlyn Schmidtmann at last year's race. Bretlyn and husband Charlie lost their home and a beloved St. Bernard in the Nederland fire a year ago.
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REACHING OUT TO THE DAWGS
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A huge thank you to the Canada Colorado Association for the extremely generous donation of $7,500! Led by president Rob Mancey (third from right), the group donated the profits from their golf tourney in June to us.
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A big Dawg Nation thank you to the crew at CHIPOTLE at 12512 W. Ken Caryl Avenue. For 3 1/2 hours the night of August 7, the good folks at that Chipotle location donated 50% of their proceeds to Dawg Nation. The total was $627!
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CHEERS FOR ONE OF OUR OWN
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Dawg Nation board member Milan Hejduk will have his #23 officially retired by the Colorado Avalanche.
"Anyone that follows the Avs knows what an incredible player #23 was," enthused DN founder Martin Richardson. "But anyone that follows Dawg Nation knows what an incredible person Hedgie is."
"It means so much to me and my family," said Milan. "I realized my lifelong dream of not only playing in the NHL but also winning a Stanley Cup (celebrating with Martin Skoula) and to spend my entire career in Colorado was very special."
The ceremony will be January 6, when the Avs host Minnesota. Dawg Nation has a group ticket special - 23 for 23. Buy a $23 ticket for #23! Plus the Avs are donating a portion of each special ticket sold to Dawg Nation. Thank you again, Avs!
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We continue to make progress towards the building of our new arena in Parker.
We are proud to be named Saunders Construction's latest Community Project! Saunders is Colorado's largest construction company. Their amazing team, led by CEO Greg Schmidt (left), is the region's leader in ice rink construction and expertise.
MOA Architecture has announced the Dawg Nation Rink Project as their latest "Giving by Design" community project! MOA is one of Colorado's leading architectural firms and true experts in the the design of ice arenas.
Denver's own WorkplaceELEMENTS is officially on board. Led by Principal Owner, Traci Lounsbury, ELEMENTS is not only Colorado's leader in workplace design and efficiency, but also one of the region's largest woman-owned businesses.
These 3 plus Vukota Capital, the Cherry Creek Hockey Association and many others that you'll read about in coming months are making this Dawg Nation dream come to life.
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Dawg Nation's arena will be game changing. Plans call for 3 sheets of ice and will be accessible to disabled and able bodied athletes.
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COMING UP: DU AND DAWG NATION
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Dawg Day at DU is December 15. Coach Jim Montgomery's Pioneers will battle Dartmouth.
We want to pack the place and showcase Dawg Nation. Bring your family, friends and teammates and sit in a special Dawg Nation section. Here's the best part: DU is donating $5 per ticket to Dawg Nation!
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The night will include a video on the big screen, a sled hockey exhibition, Dawg Nation tables and much more.
Some of the best sled hockey players in the world are in Colorado including U.S. paralympians (front-left to right) Ralph DeQuebec, Tyler Carron, Nikko Landeros and Rico Roman. Colorado Sled Hockey president Bruce Grandchamp (great name, right!) and the players are expected.
Four former DU captains will participate on sleds.
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This newsletter was written and edited by Jeff Kingery.
Photos by Kelli Packard.
Hejduk/Skoula
photo courtesy Elsa, Allsport.
Repsher/Martinez feature courtesy of Alan Gionet and Denver's Channel 4.
Special thanks to
Martin Richardson and Rob Packard for their assistance.
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