Our 3rd Quarter 2025 Newsletter is here!

Greetings!

From passing the hat, to a special goal, to legends and survivors, Dawg Bowl had it all.

Going Strong at 15

Amazing, right? 15 years and counting! In June, 52 teams and nearly 1,000 players converged on the Edge Ice Arena, competing for the trophy in 8 divisions.

There was spirited bidding for the one-of-a-kind items that have made our auction famous. Emotional exhibitions entertained sellout crowds and Shaw Hockey Productions was there to stream all the special moments.

Addison Thall sung the National Anthem at the Survivor Game.

The ceremonial first puck was dropped by the Dawg Father’s mom, Ortrud Richardson.

We set an all-time record, raising $390,000 to help those in the community.

Picture on left: Dawg Nation Founder and CEO Martin Richardson celebrates with young Cooper Tippett and Nick and Michael Hantge.

Picture on right: Dawg Nation board member Dave Chamberlain, Dawg Nation Sponsor Danny Packard and Dawg Nation ambassador Andy Gerrie, cancer survivors all, enjoy the Survivor Game.

From Humble Beginnings

Dawg Nation began when a fellow player needed medical help. His teammates passed the hat in the dressing room. That simple gesture has become the backbone of Dawg Bowl. Each year we ask our participating teams to pass the hat. The winning squad receives a suite at a Colorado Avalanche game.

This year, the teams at Dawg Bowl raised over $40,000. It’s money that reaches those needing help with medical expenses, those who can’t work because of illness or injury and more. For the second straight year Josh Thall’s Thunder Chickens topped the list. Their team contributed over $4,500. Josh (right) celebrates with Auston Palumbo and Curtiss Underwood.

The Legends Live On

New to Dawg Bowl this year was the Lallier Legends Game. The Legend Dawgs included Derek Armstrong, Ryan Bach, Brett Clark, Gabe Gauthier, Milan Hejduk, John Mitchell, Toby Petersen and Peter Sejna who combined to play in over 3,000 NHL games. The Big Hoses provided the opposition. Their players represented ten fire departments including two in Minnesota.

The Legends proved they still had the skills, building a 13-0 lead. Despite the score, it was a special time for both teams. David Fancher, Big Hoses Coach/GM, said it best. “This was a dream come true for our boys. Thank you Dawg Nation!”

The Dawgs and the players made a surprise presentation to Rick Greene (holding check). The Senior Project Manager at Colorado College has recovered from a serious illness. The check for $10,000 will help pay medical expenses and for a long hospital stay for the Colorado Springs hockey legend.

DREP on Ice

In 2015, Dave Repsher was burned over 90% of his body in a helicopter crash. It is an absolute miracle that he is alive let alone able to participate each year in many Dawg Nation events. At Dawg Bowl, his team, DREP, was winning the Copper B Division final 7-2 against the SkyDawgs.

“Every year the DAWG Bowl creates its own unscripted magic, and 2025 was no exception,” enthused Dawg Nation Founder and CEO Martin Richardson. “With just seconds remaining, SkyDawgs captain Danny Packard and other members of the SkyDawgs wanted to make sure Dave had his moment. What happened next is exactly what the DAWG Bowl should be about.”

See What Happens Next!

The DREP story with Dave and Amanda brings an inspiring message of resilience, hope and love.

"DREP: A Fight for Life" is an award-winning film that is now available for everyone to view.

Click HERE to be Blown Away!

Expanding Our Game

At Dawg Bowl, The Colorado Special Hockey Group joined for the first time. Special Hockey gives those with cognitive or developmental disabilities the chance to play and enjoy the game through teamwork and social interaction. These players live the Dawg Nation motto of playing hard, playing fair and giving back. Hockey is indeed for everyone. We thank the players and parents who made it possible for us to host this great group.

A Different Kind of Sledding

The Colorado Youth Sled Hockey team took the ice at Dawg Bowl. The team was founded in 1995 and is sponsored by the Colorado Avalanche. The Jr. Avs provide competition and independence for young players with disabilities. The Littleton Hawks Under 11 team strapped on sleds for the first time to take on the Jr. Avs.

Hunter Murphy, a recent Dawg Nation recipient undergoing his own heroic battle with cancer, is team captain for the Hawks. "It was really cool to see how kids with disabilities play the game," he said.

"Having hockey taken away when it was so much a part of his heart and soul was an additional crushing reality to his cancer diagnosis,” added Hunter’s mom, Heather Torbit.

“Getting involved with Dawg Nation gave Hunter the ability to see that hockey is something he'll never have to give up. His competitive spirit and joy came back tenfold and now he can't wait to do it again!"

In the end, it was the Colorado Jr. Avs Sled Team who came out with the win, 3-0. Knox Hebert, an up and coming star in sledding, scored the first goal as the Colorado Jr. Avs came out with a 3-0 win. An interesting finish to a wonderful story: Knox’ dad, J.P. went to high school with Hunter’s mom Heather.

It's the Same Game

The Blind Hockey exhibition featured members of the USA Blind National Team. Their goal is the same as every player…put the puck in the net!

In Blind Hockey an oversized metal puck is used. It’s filled with ball bearings and makes noise allowing skaters to track it.

Dan Schramm, Captain of the USA team, leads the attack. Those who are totally blind also rely on communication from visually impaired players on the ice and on the bench. A whistle lets players know a shot is coming. Goalies are totally blind.

The Survivor Game: Highlight of the Weekend

This year we set our sights on Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness. “Their spirit and drive have allowed those with a TBI to relearn skills most of us take for granted, like walking and talking,” said an emotional Cap. “These incredible athletes have stories that are nothing short of inspiring. “Like all of our Survivors, they have overcome incredible odds to be back on the ice.” Left to right: Alan Manning and Hilary McNeish coached, and Robin Lamphere who played are on the ice again. A quick breather between shifts for Matt Martinez (photo on right).

In 2019, Jonny Landis (in blue) fell from a roof and suffered 163 skull fractures and more than 100 strokes. His family was told to say their goodbyes because his injuries were too severe to overcome.

Jonny had other ideas! After countless hours of therapy, surgeries and recovery, the now 24-year-old is back on the ice! He's with (left to right) Siena Garaffa, and hockey greats Michel Goulet and Milan Hejduk.

See Jonny's Story HERE

Over two years ago, Paul Zancanelli V was involved in a devastating car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. The injury was so severe that a large portion of his skull was removed due to the swelling of his brain. It was touch and go as Paul’s life hung in the balance for several weeks. An amazing medical team and Paul’s will to live resulted in a true miracle that set the stage for a long and arduous recovery. This one-time hockey star has made incredible strides and with Paul's dad, Paul IV, pushing his sled, he too was able to be part of the Survivor shoot out. Hockey heals!

We were also honored to be joined by the Samuelson Family. Keenan Samuelson, a father of three, is battling liver cancer. He couldn't be with us at Dawg Bowl during his treatments. His family, teammates, friends and all of Dawg Nation gathered in support. Left to right: Tom Samuelson, Natalie Samuelson, Andreas, Rowan and Eva Samuelson and Landon Smith hold the Dawgs' check for $50,000.

A tap of the stick to Marathon Medical for sponsoring this year's Survivor Game, Craig Hospital for sponsoring the jerseys and to K1 Sportswear for their usual tremendous work in designing the special jerseys. We simply couldn't do this without all of you.

Winners

COPPER C

Mallards

COPPER B

DREP

COPPER A

Bronies

BRONZE B

Steel Rock Films

BRONZE A

Elevated Restoration

SILVER

Vigilantes

WOMEN'S

Trash Dragons

Denver Concrete was the winner in the Platinum Division in 2021.

And now! Denver Concrete, led by Nick and Michael Hantge, are a perennial powerhouse at the Dawg Bowl. This year they secured an eye popping eighth straight championship in the tourney’s elite Platinum Division!

Frosting on the Cake

Filmmaker extraordinaire, Brandon Lied of Steel Rock Films shares his annual DAWG Bowl video.

Watch HERE

Many for One

Thank you to literally hundreds of volunteers. Thank you to Velux Skylights and Marty Goss, who have stepped up and been our naming sponsor 4 years running! Thank you to The Edge Ice Arena for once again hosting Dawg Bowl. All of you make it possible for us to do what we do, and we're deeply grateful.

A Helping Paw

In Dawg Nation's 15 years, we have provided more than $5.9M to help over 500 families. That’s $5,900,000!

In July, Shaun and Braileigh Hollis of Blue Bear Waste hosted our annual Thank You dinner for the sponsors and volunteers who played integral roles in helping make this year’s DAWG Bowl a rousing success.

We remembered 10 year old Sawyer Costa who recently lost her life when she was hit by a car. The Dawgs honored her memory with a presentation of $10,000 to the Costa family (left to right) Henrik, Colton, Kim and Brett with Braileigh Hollis.

Hockey and Heels

In June, (left to right), Adrea Goetzman, Amber Packard, Kahlynn Packard, Kelli Packard, Brittany Hines, Cynthia Jett and Julia Johns were among the sellout crowd of women who joined us for wine and cheese at the first Hockey and Heels event. One of the auction items was this custom pair of heels signed by Avalanche coach Jared Bednar.

Minnesota Frost Head Coach Ken Klee and Anissa Faust, our MC and creator of the Love Wins Collective, provided laughs and moving stories.

Deanne Decker's husband died earlier this year. Her daughter, Lauren, plays for Team Colorado, the top girl's hockey club in the state. The Dawg's check will pay the fees that the family would not have been able to afford. Christine Tippett and Cynthia Jett along with Cap are with Deanne (center).

Siena Garaffa made it a memorable night. Two years ago, 17 year old Siena suffered a shearing and tearing of her connective brain tissue in an auto accident.

“Now, we're so happy to share some of her recent milestones that she and her family feared may have never be possible,” said Cap. “Walking at her high school graduation from Aspen, Colorado, High School, going to prom, riding a wave again, returning to the gym, and of course, getting back on the ice with DAWG Nation, where she did so as part of our Hockey Heals program and at the Survivor Game!”

A big shout out to our event sponsor, Mile High Harley Davidson and James Goza. Thanks to 7 Cellers winery, Skylight Specialists, Inc., and Car Boy Wines. And to Catamount Constructors for providing the big tent!

Face Off

In May, the 2025 version of the Front Range Face Off was one for the ages. This is USA Hockey's only exclusive women's tourney and is a great showcase of the fastest growing part of our game. The teams were filled with 400 players and lots of moms and daughters. Becky Gartman (right) with Shannon Walsh and Becky Sellers led a tremendous pack of Dawgs that showed us all what “giving back” looks like!!

Jami (holding check) is battling multiple hereditary and life-threatening diseases. Ongoing treatments are not covered by insurance. The Dawgs and USA Hockey helped Jami with a check for $15,000.

The Clash Returns

Dawg recipient Ashton Stephenson continues to pay it forward. In July, Ash hosted the 3rd annual CLASH 3v3 at the Promenade Ice Centre in Westminster, CO.

This 3 on 3 tournament has no goalies. The action is fast and fun.

Ashton, with Marty and Mike and Christina Wiegert, was paralyzed in 2022 and now is an integral part every year in giving back to the community. We appreciate all you do, Ash!

In May, Tate Lantz suffered a seizure while driving. He was hospitalized. The car was totaled. The Dawgs helped Tate with a check to cover hospital expenses and to replace his car.