Greetings!
We attend a remarkable fund raising tournament in St. Louis, celebrate with two hockey greats as they introduce their special brew and welcome back a special Dawg.
|
|
|
|
Willie O’Ree is the Jackie Robinson of the NHL. He broke the color barrier during the ’57-’58 season with the Boston Bruins.
Today, he is the NHL's Diversity Ambassador, traveling to schools and hockey programs promoting inclusion and understanding.
|
|
He is a pioneer, a trailblazer, a man of class who paved the way for generations to follow. At 85, Willie remains a man who transcends his sport.
|
|
|
|
|
The Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award is given annually to an individual who has used the game of hockey to make the world a better place.
The Willie O’Ree Community Hero award will be presented at the NHL Awards ceremony this summer and includes $25,000 to the charity or foundation of the winner!
|
|
Hard not to think of Martin Richardson who founded Dawg Nation in 2011 as one who has contributed mightily to the community and the needs of many. The finalists for this acclaimed award will be announced in June. We hope our Cappy will be one of them!
“There are literally hundreds of worthy nominations pouring in,” said the Dawg Father. "That so many of you have nominated me has humbled me to the core. Being considered for such a prestigious award is almost beyond comprehension, and to see the outpouring of support has brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart up.”
|
|
A new beer is born! Double Czech was created hands-on by our very own Milan Hejduk (c) and Jan Hejda (r). On May 8th at the Blue Spruce in Littleton, Double Czech Beer Night was a rousing success! |
|
|
|
What would a major Dawg Nation event be without a Dawgs special presentation?
Cooper Tippitt, with sister Campbell and dad Brian, was diagnosed with Morquio Syndrome at 16 months. Now 8, Cooper needs weekly enzyme replacement infusions and has undergone over 300 of them plus numerous surgeries.
|
|
The Tippitts have had huge medical bills as you would expect. The Dawgs presented them with a check for $11,680 while at the same time making plans for a very special family vacation. The happy group left to right: Mom Christine and Brian Tippitt, Cooper, Jan Hejda, Campbell Tippitt, Milan Hejduk, Cap and Mike Freeman. |
|
Cooper is a big Avs fan so hanging with Jan and Milan was way cool. Those two had a Dawg jersey for Cooper who immediately pulled off his Avs jersey and replaced it with his new favorite. Cooper’s family shared that he slept in his clothes that night! |
|
"Nigel Richardson is a hockey player, a skier, a hiker, a hunter and a world class fisherman and guide," said Dawg Nation Executive Director Mike Freeman. "And his cooking skills are legendary. If you’ve ever done any of these things with Nigel, you know he excels at them all and helps you become better through his coaching and mentoring. Nigel has been wearing the Dawg sweater from the beginning and is currently a valued teammate of the Old Dawgs." |
|
|
|
So it surprised Nigel most of all when he suffered a heart attack March 21. A widow maker is what they call this kind. Nigel is 58. Doctors told him that 1% of people in his situation survive.
“I’ve had a lot of blessings in my life, but it’s hard to beat having your lifelong best friend also being your big brother, said Dawg Nation CEO Martin Richardson. Nigel is my teammate, my protector, my biggest fan, and my hero.”
|
|
Nigel’s heart was badly damaged. On April 9th he went on the transplant list. Nigel proposed to long-time partner Kelly Fraser at St Anthony’s. Mike Freeman was set to perform the ceremony, Martin ready to stand by Nige's side. Life can change very quickly. The ceremony would have to wait. Less than 24 hours after going on the transplant list a heart miraculously became available. One day after his heart transplant on April11, well...watch the video!
|
|
After care at St. Anthony’s Hospital and 10 days after the transplant at UC Health, Nigel went home. |
|
On May 17th surrounded by the UC Health medical staff Martin and Mike presented Nigel with a check from Dawg Nation for $110,000. It is the second largest check ever presented to a recipient from Dawg Nation. Freeman told the group, "This is to make sure Nigel doesn't worry and to let Nigel do what he needs to do...recover and get better." |
|
"To know someone died for you to live is very tough to wrap your mind around. Was he a husband? Was he a father?" asked Nigel. "22 people a day die in this country waiting for an organ transplant. This is my second lease on life. I won't waste it."
For everyone, Nigel has a simple message. "Don't ignore the signs."
|
|
|
As of mid May, Nigel was ahead of schedule doing rehab twice a week and lots of exercise on his own. "I hope I can be fishing by the end of the summer," he said. Nigel is progressing even better than doctors had hoped. And Nigel and Kelly will be married in November. |
|
Jon Orelt has played hockey his entire life. Last September, a freak accident left him paralyzed. Jon spent the next three months recovering and learning a new way of living at the world-renowned Craig Hospital in Denver. In December, the Dawgs and Dawg Nation Ambassador Cody “Beeks” Beekman surprised Jon with a check for $13,450.
|
|
|
In mid-April, Martin Richardson and Mike Freeman were in St. Louis as Jon’s family (including dad Al) friends, teammates and the Dawgs staged a 3 on 3 indoor hockey tournament. $55,000 went to help Jon and his family. |
|
“This memorable weekend was dedicated to #77 and the local hockey community showed just how much Jonny means to all of them,” said Mike. “We were beyond honored and humbled to be part of Jonny O’s 3 on 3 Tourney. We watched the magic of our mission unfold before our eyes.” |
|
Cap and Mike enjoyed lunch with the Orelt family, meeting Blues alumni and a spot on a sports talk show with Charlie Marlow and Cam Janssen. They watched world class sled hockey and are excited that Jon is taking up the game. “Based on his attitude, we know he will succeed,” said an admiring Freeman. |
|
A community can literally change a life. And Jon Orelt inspired one. |
|
The Dawg Nation Podcast hit the airwaves in January. Co-hosted by Marty Richardson and Mike Freeman the DawgPods were an immediate hit with hockey fans. |
|
Meet Reed Low in our newest DawgPod. He's one of the enforcers of the St. Louis Blues. “We discuss fighting, fighting and more fighting,” laughed Richardson. “We talk candidly about the role and the heart of the enforcer in the NHL. Reed gets vulnerable about his hard fought journey to and through the NHL.”
Our Giving Back section features Jared Smierbach and Matt Heath of the Fighting Amish, the friends and teammates of Jonny O whose story is featured above.
|
|
Episode 7 is a “can’t miss” podcast as we talk to the remarkable Tyler “Smitty” Smith. Tyler was a member of the Humboldt Broncos on April 6, 2018 and survived the bus crash that killed 16 of his friends and teammates. Smitty (with Avs GM Joe Sakic) talks about being a Canadian kid, his path to the Broncos and how he is now turning tragedy into triumph by helping others. |
|
|
|
Episode 6 featuring Jan Hejda was taped with a big audience at The Blue Spruce in Littleton. The former Av and current Dawg Nation Ambassador takes you inside the elite Czech leagues, the World Championships, the Russian Super Leagues and the NHL.
|
|
Episodes 4/5 feature Hall of Famer Milan Hejduk. “We talk about life, marriage and fatherhood,” says Richardson. “Oh, and a little hockey.”
"The podcasts are an extension of who we are at Dawg Nation," Freeman told listeners. "It's another way we can give back."
|
|
|
Enjoy episodes 2/3 as Peter McNab talks about his days with the big, bad Bruins and his battle with alcoholism.
Our much anticipated podcast debuted January 21. Cap and Mike Freeman swapped tall tales and got the state of the Avs from head coach Jared Bednar.
|
|
Sharp Dressed Man, Woman, Kids |
|
Show your true colors! Thanks to K1 Sportswear we’re offering exact replicas of our original DAWGS sweater for the incredibly low price of $75!
Customize with your name and favorite number. You get “game weight” jersey material, stitched-on patch and the “JK” logo.
|
|
Giving back is what Dawg Nation is all about. In 10 years we've helped over 200 families with more than $2,000,000 in recipient aid. Thank you to all that donate, sponsor, bid, and continue to support. We simply can’t do this without you! |
|
Evan Davis played youth hockey in the DU Junior Pioneers program and then with the Littleton Hawks before playing in the Western States Hockey League. Evan has been battling cancer and is winning! His goal is to play in the Survivor Game at Dawg Bowl in June. At the Monkey Barrel in February, Marty and the Dawgs were happy to help with a check for $5,000 to help Evan overcome major medical expenses.
|
|
Mike Greene and many in his family have been a big part of the hockey community in Colorado Springs with the Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association Junior Tigers. Mike has leukemia and has endured a bone marrow transplant and lengthy hospital stays. In February, the Dawgs surprised Mike and his family with a check for $10,375.
|
|
In March, The Dawgs honored the memory of Jordan Illian. The Dawgs presented his wife Michelle with a check for $18,500. Jordan’s teammates, friends and family celebrated his life and raised his jersey to the rafters.
|
|
Mary Strine has done it all on the local hockey scene. She’s a player, a ref and she coaches the Colorado Ice Wizards, a team for people with learning and developmental disabilities. Mary is in the process of checking cancer hard into the boards, but the treatment and care is expensive. The Dawgs were invited to Mary’s wig party where we presented a check for $10,642. |
|
In February, Chris Dietz was killed in an automobile accident. His death is felt by his family and by those he played with on his hockey team, the Landsharks of Westminster.
Chris was the epitome of a family man and is survived by his wife Lisa, daughters Annie and Kaitlyn and son Michael.
“Chris didn’t know a stranger,” remembered Dawgs Executive Director Mike Freeman. “He immediately became friends with all who met him.”
At a Landshark’s game in April, the Dawgs presented the family with a check for $11,570.
|
|
Jen Lockyear is a popular bartender, known to all who skate at the Edge Ice Arena and everyone who participates in Dawg Bowl. Her son, Joshua, has been diagnosed with leukemia. Joshua has been at Children’s Hospital and has responded to treatment. There’s a road to recovery ahead and it’s costly. In April the Dawgs were happy to help Jen with a check. Jen (2nd from left) is with the Dawg Father, Alec Hines and Hannah Westbrook. |
|
Drew Myers began his hockey career at the age of 4 and still plays hockey recreationally in the Men’s CEO Hockey league.
Every weekend Drew and wife Melissa coach and cheer on their 10 year old Liam, who plays for the Littleton Squirts, and their 12 year old Breckin, who is a first year PeeWee for Littleton as well. 16 month old Christopher isn’t far behind!
In February Drew suffered two strokes while playing hockey with his brother and other teammates. Melissa called 911 and he was rushed to the hospital.
Drew is now back on his feet, er, skates, but the bills keep coming. In May, the Dawgs helped the Myers family with a check for $13,000.
|
|
The Pay it Forward Challenge |
|
Up to it? So many wonderful companies work with the Dawgs in many ways. Some give a portion of their proceeds from dinners to carwashes to real estate commissions. If you are a business and like the work we do helping those in the community, let us know! Make a pledge and get your employees and customers on board. We’ll make sure our supporters hear about your efforts. |
|
Thanks to Jimmy Suds Car Wash for donating a portion of their gift card sales.
Thanks to Monkey Barrel which hosted an Avs watch party and donated table proceeds.
And thank you and your business for paying it forward!
|
|
Winners...On and Off the Ice! |
|
The 2021 USA National Hockey Championships were played in Denver at the Edge Ice Arena. The Dawgs congratulate the Under 16 Lady Roughriders who brought home top honors in Tier II, beating a team from Philadelphia 3-2 in OT in the finals. |
|
Captain Emma Compton shares the trophy with Assistant Captains Violet Arnold (l) and Renee Limpus (r).
“I am so proud of these girls,” said head coach Chris Lockrem. “With all the challenges of COVID this year, hockey was a safe haven. Having the tournament in our backyard was a big lift for us and the girls took full advantage!”
|
|
The Under16 Colorado Thunderbirds (including David Klee, son of former NHL star Ken) fell to the top seed New Jersey Avalanche in the Tier I final. All three coaches (David Clarkson, Ken Klee and John Mitchell) wore the Top DAWG sweaters! Several other players have DAWG connections including Patrick Raftery and David Hejduk. |
|
The Krivo U14 girls wrapped up the 2020-21 campaign with an impressive 3rd place finish at the Tier II national championships.
|
|
The Junior DAWGS are the first youth team ever to proudly wear the DAWG logo. Coached by 10 year NHL veteran Jan Hejda, the team is made up of players under 15 years old including Gabriel Simpson (above left) and goalie Will Strombeck.
In May they put on a show at the CCM Chi-Town Shuffle in Chicago. Playing in the Elite Triple A Division, the Dawgs finished second in one of the top tournaments in the country. It was their first ever tourney action. "The boys worked really hard and played with class,” said Hejda. “I couldn't be more proud."
|
|
Dave’s struggle to live following a Flight For Life helicopter crash and his miraculous recovery with Amanda by his side was told in the documentary, “D-REP: A Fight for Life.” Now you can see the movie on YouTube. |
|
“This is a story of modern medicine, the will to live, the power of a community, but mostly a love story of two people that refused to let go,” said the Dawg Father with the Repshers and Dave's mom Marilyn Raymond. |
|
Directed by Mike Mazzanti the film has won numerous awards including the 2020 People's Choice Award for Best Short Subject Film at the Denver Film Festival and Audience Favorite & Best Human Spirit Award at the Breckenridge Film Festival.
The Dawgs are humbled to be part of this unbelievable story.
|
|
Dawg Bowl XI takes center stage June 23-27 at the Edge Ice Arena. The SURVIVOR Game returns! It is the highlight of every Dawg Bowl weekend. We’ll have a sled division for the first time. All told, 60 teams will battle it out in 8 divisions. What would Dawg Bowl be without the amazing one-of-a-kind items at the on-line auction? And…there will be a wedding. You are invited! |
|
|
|
Tee it up for Dawg Nation returns to the fabulous Highlands Ranch Golf Club on September 13.
|
|
The 11th annual Stand Up for Dawg Nation Comedy Night will be held October 27 at Comedy Works South. Check our website for talent and ticket information coming soon.
|
|
|
 |
To Our Suporters, Donors, Partners, and Sponsors ...Thank You! |
|
|
|
This newsletter was written and edited by Jeff Kingery. Photos by Kelli Packard and JWD Imagery. Orelt video by Pilch Films. Tippitt photos courtesy of the family.
Thanks to Martin Richardson, Mike Freeman, Jordan Finney, Meryl Kingery and Rob Packard for their assistance.
|
Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation
720 432 9471
PO Box 182
Indian Hills, CO 80454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
