Our 4th Quarter 2024 Newsletter is here!

Hello Martin,

See how golf and hockey events assist some wonderful people, and you get the opportunity to help the Dawgs.

Tee Time is a Special Time

In September, golfers were out in support of the Dawgs at the 14^th annual Tee It Up for Dawg Nation Tournament. Once again, the sensational University of Denver Golf Club in Highlands Ranch was the setting. The Dawgs raised a record of over $200,000 which lets us help the hockey community is many ways.

Celebrities from the hockey world including the Colorado Avalanche’s newest player Parker Kelly (left picture on left with Milan Hejduk), Sam Girard, Jan Hedja, Derek Armstrong and Michel Goulet made it a special time for the field. Avs Broadcaster Marc Moser also played and was the MC for an auction and special presentations that followed the day on the links.

The field of 144 players got to meet Hunter Murphy who is battling and winning his fight with bone cancer.

Brandon Lied of Steel Rock Films created a touching feature on Hunter.

Watch Hunter's Story HERE

We provided the Murphy family with a check for $50,000 to help with some of the major medical expenses they’ve incurred as Hunter has gone through surgeries and chemo. Hunter's goal is to skate in next year’s Survivor Game at Dawg Bowl. With Hunter are (left to right) dad Dan, mom Heather Torbit, Avalanche star Sam Girard, Dawg Nation Founder and CEO Martin Richardson and Dawg Nation board member Andrew Perzi.

The Dawgs presented a check for $12,000 to Paula Ramsbottom. Like Hunter, she is winning her battle with cancer and is now in remission. Paula is joined by (left to right) the Dawgfather, husband Rich Ramsbottom and Rick Yale.

Thanks to our tremendous sponsors including TAG Insurance and Greg Ahbe, who has been the title sponsor for all 14 years of the tournament! We couldn’t do it without those who sponsor each hole, provide the player’s gift bags, for the dinner and the beverage carts.

And a standing 'O' to all of our volunteers who made this tournament run flawlessly from start to finish!

Hot Time at the Freeze Out

In October, the Dawgs were at the Ice Box for the 2^nd Annual Fraser Freeze out. There was an auction and fast-paced 3 on 3 games with no goalies.

Scott Graham, a hunting and fishing guide, nearly lost his foot to a staph infection. The Dawgfather and Mikey Hicks, an integral part of the Fraser hockey community, surprised Scott with a check for $10,000.

Cap and the Dawgs contributed to Fraser Valley Hockey with a check for $2,500.

Three champions were crowned. The Top Dawgs (above, right) took the Gold Division. The Mallards (above, left) topped the Bronze. The Silver Division was won by the Snowflakes (right).

Thank you to all the players, sponsors and volunteers. The Fraser Freeze Out was a huge success and it wouldn’t have been possible with you!

A Helping Paw

In Dawg Nation’s almost 14 years (our anniversary is January 1), we have provided over $5M to families who need assistance. That’s $5,000,000!

George Altz (left of Cap) is a hockey player and long-time friend of the Dawgs. Recent shoulder surgery and a lengthy recovery and rehab period have kept him from his job as sole owner of a plumbing business. Expenses have piled up. In August, the Dawgs helped the man who has done so much for us over the years with a check for $15,300.

In April, Dennis Heaton fell and broke his hip, necessitating hip replacement surgery. Heaton is an original member of the Dawgs and participates in our Hockey Heals program. At one of those morning skates in August, the Dawgs gave a stunned Heaton a check for $3,000 to help with medical expenses. Dennis vows to be back on the ice soon!

Brendan Huff played hockey for Rock Canyon High School and currently for the Colorado Rampage club team. During a game, Brendan fell and hit his head on the ice. He suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. His dad, Cody, saved his son's life by administering mouth to mouth and CPR. Brendan has fully recovered from his injuries. The Dawgs provided a check for $11,500 for his emergency care. Joining Brendan, Cody and Martin Richardson are Jonathan Ripley (left) and Chase Ripley (next to Cap) who nominated Brendan for this recipient check.

Paying it Forward

We have terrific support from many in the NHL and the college hockey ranks. Clayton Keller and Matt Duchene (top, left and right), David Carle and Jared Bednar (bottom, left and right) are all making contributions to Dawg Nation during the ’24-’25 season. Keller and Duchene have pledged $100 per goal. Carle and Bednar donate each time their team posts a win!

At Dawg Bowl in June, The Thunder Chickens were the winner of the Pass the Hat contest. The Dawgs began in February of ‘09 when the first players literally tossed money in a hat on the dressing room floor for teammates with medical expenses and other needs. The Thunder Chickens raised $5,000 this way! And in October Josh Thall and the Chickens claimed their prize…a night in President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic’s suite at Ball Arena for an Avalanche game.

New York Life has supported many Dawg Nation events and recently gave us a check for $10,000! Accepting were (left to right) Dawg Nation board members Patrick Donnelly, Dave Chamberlin, Jesse Sanders, Lucas Bisbee, Dawg Nation founder and CEO Martin Richardson, and board members Zac Neumayr, Ryan Lack and Andrew Perzi.

100 Men Who Care is a group that meets once a quarter and chooses a non-profit to donate to. Their goal is to have fun making a difference. Thank you to this special group for choosing us. The total donation from 100 Men Who Care is over $13,000! If you are interested in joining 100 Men Who Care, reach them on Facebook.

Your Turn

Colorado Gives Day is December 10. It’s your opportunity to help the Dawgs. Your contribution to Dawg Nation lets us continue to provide much needed aid to families in the hockey community. It’s easy! Click the link below and you’re on the way to providing a big assist to the Dawgs. Your record for giving is $120,000. We know you can beat that this year!

Donate NOW

Fun Night on the Ice

Join us Friday, November 22 for DU Night with Dawg Nation. The Pioneers take on Arizona State at 7pm. Denver University will donate a portion of the proceeds to Dawg Nation. Tickets are discounted at $40 for friends of the Dawgs. During intermission there will be a Dawgs versus Sled Hockey shootout. NHL star and current Dawg Nation Ambassador Milan Hejduk, former DU player Charlie Host and Paralympic Gold Medal winners Declan Farmer (above, right) and Malik Jones will participate. See you there!

Order Tickets HERE

On The Air

On December 11, Marty joins coach David Carle to talk hockey and more. The show starts at 6pm at the Campus Lounge, 701 S. University Blvd. in Denver.

In October, Cap and the coach were joined by Taylor Ludy. In April, the longtime goalie suffered a severe leg injury in a beer league game. Emergency surgeries followed. Taylor's leg was saved. The Dawgs helped the Ludy family with a check for $12,000.