Our 2nd Quarter 2025 Newsletter is here!

Hello Martin,

Laughs take center stage, the Dawgs pitch in to help amazing recipients and it's graduation time for one of our own.

Stand Up Time

The laughs get louder, the stories are inspiring as always, and the support of the community continues to grow. In March, The Comedy Works South was packed for the 15th Annual Stand Up for Dawg Nation Comedy Night. We raised over $90,000 that helps those in need.

“It’s an honor and privilege to stand on that stage and receive such an outpouring of love and support for this foundation,” said Dawg Nation founder and CEO Martin Richardson. “And to be here especially for, and on behalf of, our many recipients.”

As always, hockey's best were on hand including Milan Hejduk, Jared Bednar and Michel Goulet.

Master of Ceremonies Marc Moser (left to right) with University of Denver Pioneer star forward Aiden Thompson and goalie Matt Davis helped with the auction of one-of-a-kind items.

With Nancy Norton and Chris Voth on stage, laughs came fast. Thanks to two of the best in the business for making it a fun night.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Aspen Industries. Thank you to our top tier sponsors Briebug Software and Martinson Services. These companies and all of the night’s corporate sponsors make this event possible.

And cheers to the staff at Comedy Works South.

A Whirlwind Trip

This spring, the Dawgs welcomed Layne Matechuk and his family to Colorado. On April 6, 2018, Layne suffered a traumatic brain injury in the Humbolt bus crash. The accident, in Saskatchewan, killed 16 hockey players and staff members. Layne and 12 others from the Canadian junior team survived.

Layne was honored at our Stand Up for Dawg Nation Comedy Night and the Dawgs were proud to present him and his family a check for $15,000 to aid in his continuing recovery. With Martin are mom Shelly, dad Kevin and Layne.

Brandon Lied of Steel Rock Films produced a moving tribute to Layne and Dawg Nation.

Watch Layne's Story Here

A Helping Paw

In Dawg Nation’s 15 years, we have provided more than $5.5M to help over 500 families. That’s $5,500,000!

In March of 2023, a devastating car crash left Paul Zancanelli V in critical condition with a traumatic brain injury. Paul had been a hockey player since he was four years old and played every position including goalie. Now, his life hung in the balance for several weeks. The doctors pulled him through and two years after the accident, Paul continues to recover. He's with (left to right) stepmom Lauren, dad Paul IV, sister Harlee, sister Avery Moss and Tyler Blue.

The Dawgs have been by his side since the accident and in March we celebrated his recovery. Paul and his father were our guests at a Colorado Avalanche game. They met Captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has fought and won his own comeback battle. Gabe's son Luke makes it a foursome.

Paul met Kenny Albert and Eddie Olczyk, the TNT broadcast team.

Special thanks to Avs coach Jared Bednar (above), Michael Lallier, Declan Bolger and so many more that helped to create a special day.

The Dawgs surprised Paul and his family with a check for $12,000. Left to right: Zlata and Milan Hejduk, Avs President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic, Paul Zancanelli IV, President of Blue Bear Waste Services Shaun Hollis, Avalanche defenceman Josh Manson and Michel Goulet surround mom Cindy Zancanelli, Paul and Lauren Zancanelli.

March 16th marked the two-year anniversary of the accident. Paul continues to make amazing strides and even hit the ice at one of our Hockey Heals sessions!

In April, The Dawgs were there for John and Susie Davis. In November, Susie had back surgery. What was expected to improve her life, left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Major changes were needed to make their home wheelchair accessible. The Dawgs reached out to Swinerton Construction. It wasn’t long before a wheelchair ramp was built, doorways were widened, and new doors installed. Thank you to Lindsey, Zach and everyone at Swinerton for pitching in to make a difference.

The Dawgs also presented the Davis’ with a check for $15,000 to help with enormous medical bills. John Davis, a long-time youth hockey coach, put it best. “This isn’t a game changer,” he said. “It’s a life changer!”

Branching Out

In addition to chapters in Colorado and St. Louis, the Dawgs are heavily involved in the Minneapolis/St. Paul hockey communities. In March, the Dawgs joined forces with the Just Be GR8 Foundation to support Michael Stewart (#24), who was badly injured in a car accident.

Michael suffered head and hip injuries. He remains in a wheelchair and is unable to work. Led by John Glabach (above, center), the Minnesota hockey community and the Dawgs presented the Stewart family a check for $20,000. Mike is also with his partner, Katie Foss.

The Just Be GR8 Foundation was started by Ethan Glynn and his family. Ethan, a three sport star, was paralyzed two and a half years ago when playing in his first-ever high school football game. “The Just Be GR8 Foundation stands for much of the same things as Dawg Nation,” said Marty. “We couldn’t be more proud and supportive of this incredible young man. Ethan and his family and the Foundation are providing important support for Minnesota families in need.”

Learn About Ethan's Foundation

Saying Goodbye

In February, The Dawgs celebrated the life of Mark Shanley. Mark played in Denver adult hockey leagues since 1994. “Putting others first was the norm for Mark,” said Cap. “Giving back was in his DNA.”

We presented a check to the Shanley family for $28,500. Left to Right: Katelyn Finley, Natalie, Savannah, Keira and Ginny are with Martin. “The funds will help his daughters Natalie, Savannah and Keira on their own journeys,” said an emotional Cap. “But they are secondary to the life lessons that Mark passed onto his girls.”

Mark played for the Grey Wolves from 2003-2024. His #28 Grey Wolves sweater was retired. Left to right: Natalie, Savannah, Keira, Katelyn and Ginny listen to Wolves captain Jeff Vigil. The Dawgs were honored to be part of this special tribute.

In March, The Dawgs were with the Deckers family and friends. Allen Deckers died suddenly in February. “Al was a fun, quick witted, compassionate soul that always put his wife Deanne and his family first,” remembered Martin Richardson.

Al was the father of five. The Dawgs presented a check for $16,000 to the family. Dawg Nation Ambassador Patrick Donnelly, Christine Tippett, Deanne, Logan Deckers, Chris Muldrow and Cooper Tippett are with Cap. We thank those at the Wild Goose Saloon in Parker for their hospitality and support.

Todd Clifford dedicated his life to serving his country and community. A veteran, a police officer, a husband to Shannon, a father of two sons, a brother, a teammate and a friend, He was an avid fan and player, enjoyed coaching kids and played in tournaments supporting police officers.

Coming Up

The 15^th annual Dawg Bowl takes center stage at Edge Ice Arena June 18-22. 1,000 players will compete for titles in 8 divisions.

The theme of this year’s Dawg Bowl will be our support of those who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).

Not to be missed is the Survivor Game. Each year, players who have overcome injury or illness return to the game they love. In many cases, participants say it is the chance to be in this game that fueled their recovery.

No auction tops a Dawg Bowl auction for unique memorabilia, and you can bid online!

Enjoy food trucks, contests and live music throughout the weekend.

Led by Mike and Suzanne Shaw, Shaw Hockey Productions is back streaming games including all platinum games, championship games, and the Survivor Game. Check our website for games and times.

Last Shot!

Angie Petersen was a recipient 11 years ago and has been a special friend of the Dawgs ever since. 11 years ago, husband Tom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. Angie has been by his side every step of the way and somehow found the time to take on a demanding, accelerated 16-month nursing program at Metro State University in Denver. In 2024, the Dawgs stepped up to pay her tuition. She graduated May 16, with a Bachelor of Science degree.

“Angie proudly walked with the Metro State University class of 2025,” enthused the Dawgfather. “She was also named the recipient of the institution’s most prestigious honor, the President’s Award! This is an incredible honor for this incredible and deserving soul.”

Angie is with MSU President Dr. Janine Davidson and Cap.

"I'd like to thank you all for the incredible support through my nursing school and throughout this road we've been traveling these past 11 years," said Angie. "We are grateful beyond words and would not be where we are without you!"

The ink on the diploma is barely dry and Angie has already been hired as an oncology nurse by UC Health.

Congratulations Angie!