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Greetings!
Hello DAWG Nation!
Follow us as we laugh, tear-up and cheer on all those are involved in DAWG Nation and get ready for another, life-changing, record-breaking, DAWG Bowl Event.
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Mark your calendars; DAWG Bowl XVI is nearly here! We will once again take over the Edge Ice Arena for five days of celebrating life and honoring those that continue to fight the good fight. With 56 teams and several exhibition games this year’s event will be one you won’t want to miss.
This year’s theme is driver safety. Over the years we have had multiple recipients that suffered severe injuries due to traffic accidents. In fact, our very first recipient was Dan Hohenstein, a mail carrier that was hit by a car while delivering mail. After a long journey, Dan is back, lacing up the skates, and will celebrate by wearing the stripes in the Survivor Game!
| | Thank you to everyone who continues to support our cause and allows us to make a difference in the lives of those that need it most. | | | |
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The 16th annual “Stand Up for DAWG Nation” was another rousing success with a terrific audience and amazing comics. An incredibly talented lineup led by Josh Blue had the sellout crowd in stiches. Our DAWG Father joined longtime local hockey announcers Jay Stickney and Marc Moser on stage as we once again sprinkled in a few tears with lots of cheers.
As part of the evening we were able to honor a grieving family with a very special night. Jayce and Jamie Politoski made their way from Kauai, Hawaii for this memorable night.
A HUGE thank you to our presenting sponsor, Aspen Industries. This is the twelfth straight year that Doug and Ellie Tarnowski have stepped up to support this event! A slew of other sponsors allowed us to once again create incredible memories on and off the stage.
And cheers to the staff at Comedy Works for once again opening their doors and hearts to help us do what we do best!
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This past December our Cappy was in Hawaii celebrating Cindy and his 25th anniversary when they randomly met Jayce Politoski on a sunset catamaran cruise. Turns out, Jayce played hockey at Colorado College and of course knew several members of our pack on the mainland.
Jayce shared that he had lost his only child, Paxton, to a rare form of leukemia. Tears streamed down Cindy cheeks and she said, “we are on this cruise for a reason, and I think the reason is to help Jayce.”
With the help of many, Jayce and his wife Jamie made their way to Colorado to enjoy a special week in our backyard. It was a whirlwind trip that included Hockey Heals, an Avs/Stars morning skate, time with NHL players, a game in Joe Sakic’s suite, skating at Colorado College, and a surprise check on the stage of Comedy Works!
A tearful Jamie added, “Thank you Dawg Nation for finding us worthy to be your recipients. A flame is burning and we’re excited to take inspiration from these amazing people to pay it forward in honor of Paxton. Blessed to be a blessing!!!”
And guess what, that’s exactly what Jamie and Jayce did. They are honoring Paxton by starting a nonprofit called “Paxton’s Angel Warrior Project”. The goal is to aid Hawaiian families facing similar challenges. On April 29th they hosted their first event and shortly thereafter honored their first recipient family.
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On Mother’s Day weekend we joined forces with USAHockey for the Front Range Face Off. Led by Becky “Hawk” Gartman, the event was spectacular on every level, showcasing the incredible women that make up Colorado hockey. One of those women is Hilary McNeish.
Currently battling ovarian cancer, Hilary is a true pioneer in women’s hockey across the front range.
Hilary’s journey with this game began at this very tournament 30 years ago. To see that story come full circle, surrounded by friends, family, teammates, and so much love, was incredibly moving.
Because of this community’s generosity, we were able to help ease some of the financial burden that comes with this fight and remind Hilary that she is not alone.
“It will be a day that I will never forget!!! Thank you! I love you all!!!
Everyday is a gift!”, added an emotional Hilary.
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Congrats to Denver University for landing their unprecedented eleventh national championship!
The DU Pioneers have been a big part of DAWG Nation since inception, over the years we have had multiple Pios (past and present) compete in the DAWG Bowl and attend all of our events. We have been part of the David Carle Show for several years and this year one of our interns is none other than DU defenseman, Alec Whipple!
Alec and teammate Cale Ashcroft even brought the National Championship Trophy to a Hockey Heals and then joined us on the ice!
This year’s Top Dawgs will include several members of the Pioneer roster including Alec and Cale. Please make plans to check out all the action at DAWG Bowl XVI!!
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A HUGE congrats to Jonny “Be Good” Landis! Jonny is a true miracle in every way. A 40- foot fall onto concrete in March of 2019 resulted in over 160 skull fractures, multiple seizures and left Jonny clinging to life. The injuries were so severe that it was very unlikely that Jonny would survive the first night, but our friend had other plans. Fast forward seven years and Jonny wowed us all by walking across the stage and receiving a degree from the University of Colorado!
Jonny joined our Hockey Heals crew in February of 2025. At first he struggled to stay on his feet but is now thriving! Skating, passing, shooting and trash talking make Jonny just one of the guys!
This summer Jonny will be joining our team and will be taking on a number of tasks including sharing his story with others.
Here’s to all those that never give up, and here’s to all those that are there to lift others up when they fall. Yes, hockey does heal!
Click below to check out a heart warming story of Jonny’s Journey.
| | Ladies - Save the Date - Thurs. 6/18 - Hockey And Heels | | |
Calling all ladies… you are invited to join us for the 2nd annual
Hockey and Heels Gals Night Out
Please join us for appetizers and wine as we launch Dawg Bowl XVI, on
Thursday June 18th, 6-8PM
for a fun evening in support of DNHF.
Keynote Speakers.
Ken Klee – Head Coach of PWHL Minnesota Frost
After winning the first two PWHL championships in 2024 and 2025, the Frost made a strong push for a three-peat in 2026. They successfully made it to the PWHL playoffs but were ultimately eliminated by the Montreal Victoire in a hard-fought, winner-take-all Game 5. Come meet this amazing coach who is setting the world on fire for women’s hockey!
Hilary McNeish – Dawg Nation Recipient
Sharing her story of battling cancer and making a difference at Hockey Heals, this dynamo is a force both on and off the ice!
Included with ticket purchase is an awesome “thank you gift bag”, as well as other surprises.
Tickets are just $25, and can be purchased by contacting Cynthia@skyspec.com.
Tickets are limited so act fast.
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| Jay Sharrer's Officiating School | | | | |
We are beyond thrilled to announce out newest program, the Jay Sharrer’s Officiating School!
Jay Sharrers is a pioneer in the sport of hockey as the first man of color to officiate an NHL hockey game! With a resume of nearly 1,300 NHL games, 7 Stanley Cup Finals and the 2010 Olympics, Jay is truly a master of his craft.
A native of British Columbia, Jay now lives in Arizona but hosts an annual referee camp that bears his name. This year’s camp will be held at the APEX Ice Arena in Arvada from August 7th – 9th.
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Mike “Gags” Gagliardi
Mike “Gags” Gagliardi is a friend to many. So when Mike needs help folks show up in droves. Mike is a legend in the snowboard world and also pretty well know across the Denver hockey scene. Over the last couple of years Gags has had multiple knee surgeries, has battled life threatening infections and basically put his life on hold. These health challenges have caused Mike to reduce his hours at his beloved gig at Never Summer Snowboard and move into a semi retirement role.
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Brett & Kim Costa
This is what it looks like when a community comes together. In February of 2024, Brett Costa was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed. This father of four stayed strong and began his new life. A mere fifteen months later, Brett’s only daughter, Sawyer (10), was hit by truck that took her life. This devastated family continues to pick up the pieces but without the ability to drive, everyday tasks continue to be difficult for this proud man. That all changed when we joined the Keep Driving Foundation, Vista Toyota of Casper, Denver Mobility and the Wrap Factory as we handed over the keys to a brand new Platinum Edition Toyota Sienna designed especially for Brett!
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James Dever
April 9th was quite a day as we joined CIHRA’s Dave Lowry for a visit to the home of James Dever. James is a well-respected referee in the Denver area officiating games across the state. James recently underwent quadruple bypass surgery and is now on the road to recovery and already itching to get back on the ice. In addition to a check, we also surprised him with a couple of tricks up our sleeves. James is a lifelong Philadelphia Flyers fan, so we arranged to have a couple encouraging videos sent to this Flyer fanatic. First, it was former Flyer Shjon Podein giving James well wishes followed by Flyer president, Keith Jones. Keith even invited James to a Flyers/Avs game next season. James was overcome with emotion as a couple of his Flyer heroes let him know they’re behind him.
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To Our Suporters, Donors, Partners, and Sponsors ...Thank You! |
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This newsletter was written and produced by many people this quarter, Jeff Kingery has written and designed this newsletter for many years, which we dearly appreciate and he should be back at it soon!
Thanks to Martin Richardson and Rob Packard for their assistance. Many photos by Kelli Packard.
Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation
720.432.9471
10658 W Centennial Rd. Ste 200
Littleton, CO 80127
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