Greetings!

We wrap up the year with laughs, long drives, an amazing recovery and a special tribute to one of our own.
The Dawg Father Speaks
"It has been an exciting year at DAWG Nation. Despite the obvious challenges with COVID we have had a memorable year on all fronts. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we have had record setting highs at the Dawg Bowl, Tee it Up for Dawg Nation, Stand Up for Dawg Nation and our Winter Classic pond hockey tourney!
 
This has enabled us to hand out checks totaling nearly $400k!! This simply does not happen without the generosity of countless individuals, sponsors, participants and, of course, volunteers.
At the same time we are thrilled to share that we have continued our progress towards our dream of building and operating the world’s first multi-sheet ice facility designed to support both disabled and able-bodied athletes alike. Still a long way to go, but our momentum has never been more evident as we move onto the exciting design phase.
 
Thank you all!"
 
Martin “Cappy” Richardson
President/CEO

The Rink - Moving Forward

It’s full speed ahead on the Dawg’s new hockey arena in Castle Pines, Colorado. In the last two months alone, over $700,000 has been donated for the new complex that will house three sheets of ice, locker room facilities, a pro shop, a restaurant and more.

There is a very special way to be involved in our dream arena. We proudly present the “Founder Wall.” A $50,000 donation includes a framed customized jersey prominently displayed in the rink facility’s main hall. Only 20 spots for personal or corporate contributors are available. 

For more information on this unique opportunity, please contact Dawg Nation CEO Martin Richardson at 303-898-6687 or email: mrichardson@dawgnation.org

You can be part of our foundation in several other exciting ways. Put your name and message on a puck that will become part of our Puck Wall or immortalize those special people in your life with a commemorative message on a brick or paver.
“Even in these troubled times, support and donations have not only continued, but they've actually grown,” enthused Richardson.

Our thanks to longtime DAWG Nation supporters Greg & Carol Ahbe, of the Ahbe Group/TAG Insurance. Their recent donation is the largest private donation in the organization’s history. Additionally, DAWG Nation has already secured over $11M through in-kind commitments from more than 30 companies

The next steps (Phase 1) include site development, finalizing floor plans, and detailing costs.

MOA Architecture is designing the rink. “The plan is for this to be a thriving community-centered facility, and also become the premier sled/adaptive hockey facility in the nation, supporting athletes from around the world,” said Jack Mousseau (r), Principal at MOA Architecture. 
These athletes do not consider themselves disabled. Rather, the facilities that they play at aren’t equipped to handle their needs. Imagine coming off the ice to find the dasher and other obstacles between you and a locker room designed only for able bodied players. That’s where the Dawg Nation Arena comes in. It’s designed for ALL skaters!
It Was Worth the Wait
The 10th annual Stand Up for Dawg Nation Comedy Night was rescheduled twice because of the pandemic, but went off without a hitch in October.
Laughs, cheers and a few tears once again filled the Comedy Works in DTC. Led by comics Josh Blue (r) and Derrick Stroup, the "full house" was treated to big laughs, memorable moments, and inspirational individuals. Seating was limited because of the pandemic, but Shaw Productions provided the crew and the live feed that allowed many to watch from home.
The Dawgs always recognize a military veteran at this event, a hero who has given back to our country. Dawg Nation Executive Director Mike Freeman led the tribute for one of our own this time. 

Specialist 5 Mike Sullivan was honored for his service in the Army and in Vietnam where he served a year tour.

Sully has been committed and instrumental to helping veterans of all ages, including leadership that pulls together veterans for lunch that span from WWII to the latest wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Freeman in tribute. “These younger veterans look to the older veterans as role models that have persevered and thrived even after incredibly difficult circumstances through their service.” 
”It was a surprise, no warning,” laughed Sully. “Being recognized for your service, anyone in the Armed Forces appreciates the appreciation."

It's been quite a year for our Ambassador and our oldest player as he survived COVID-19. Because of that, he hasn't been able to skate with his grandson (Ralph and Sully are headed to the ice in a better time).

Reflecting on the tribute in light of a difficult 2020 Sully concluded, "This was very meaningful."
 Sully, we salute you!
It was an emotional moment when the Dawgs made a surprise check presentation to John and Krista Batchelder. Their 5 year old, Miles, has a form of kidney cancer. 

“We are all still in shock, and so overwhelmed by this love and support,” said Krista. “I am so thankful and will be forever grateful to be able to say we belong to the Dawg Nation family. We look forward to getting through this together, and one day being able to help others the way we are being supported. Thank you!!”

 Ted Pepper, Marty and Pat Walsch joined John and Krista.   


It was a record breaking amount for a Dawg Nation Comedy night. Thanks to Mike Raftery, the Comedy Works South staff and our fabulous comedians for their flexibility in making the new date a reality. Comedy Works South donates the venue to us and 100% of the ticket sales go to Dawg Nation.
Fore! Actually, Make That 10
The 10th annual Tee It Up for Dawg Nation golf tournament welcomed 144 golfers to the Highlands Ranch Golf Course in mid-September. We raised over $105,000, a record amount for the event. Every penny after expenses helps adult hockey players and their families across the Rocky Mountain region.

The field was impressive with Stanley Cup Winners including Joe Sakic (2nd from left), NCAA champions, Colorado Avalanche legends, broadcasters and NHL referees.
At the event we had a surprise for the O’Keefe family. Ashley and Shane are proud parents of 8 month old Kieran who has overcome numerous surgeries since birth for various problems and faces another operation in December. The good news is Kieran is now on his way to a full recovery.

Doug Smail is Kieran’s grandfather and is a former Dawg Nation recipient. Dawg Nation Trivia: Playing for Winnipeg against St. Louis in 1981, Doug scored a goal 5 seconds in. That is still the NHL record for the fastest goal to begin a game!
Steve Patten has been blind since birth. That hasn’t stopped him from trying to become the next goalie of the US National Blind Hockey squad!

The Dawgs' Marc Moser (l) and Cap presented Steve with his very first goalie mask adorned with the Dawg Nation and Avs logos and that of Steve’s favorite team, the St. Louis Blues. The helmet was painted by local artist Kenny Hughes who used a raised paint method so Steve could feel the custom logos.


A big thank you to The Ahbe Group for once again being our title sponsor. They are the only title sponsor we have had in the history of the tournament.
A Helping Paw
Giving back is what Dawg Nation is all about. In nine plus years we've helped over 175 families with more than $2,000,000 (that's 2 million) in recipient aid.
Earlier this month we joined forces with friends and family and surprised Dave and Marybeth Tscherpel with a check for $28,900. Dave, originally from Prague, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that has resulted in a new normal for this long time Arvada hockey family.
Led by Spencer Tscherpel (Dave’s son) and Ryan Connors (lifelong family friend), a caravan of cars and trucks paraded past the Tscherpel home. Dave also received a signed photo from Jan Hejda, a fellow Prague native.
Dave emotionally shared his goal of skating in the next Dawg Nation Survivor Game. Dave, we’re holding you to it!
In June, Sean Hixenbaugh (c) was riding his bike when hit by a car. Sean’s right foot had to be amputated and that and other surgeries kept him hospitalized and in a rehab center for 17 days. The Dawgs presented Sean with a check for $3,500 to help with medical expenses.  
Since the accident, Sean is back on the ice giving sled hockey a try. Sean has been a part of the skating community for close to 20 years. Sean and his wife Cheryl’s daughter Ellie (with her dad) is a Disney on Ice performer.

Sean and his family have also been instrumental in helping Lance Jaeger and Foothills Event Management LLC with their hockey tournaments. DAWG Nation has been honored to be a recipient of these tournaments. 

In September the Dawgs were in Monument to support the Leyland Fay Memorial Golf Tournament. Leland (with wife Sarah and sons Derek and Connor) died in May, eight years after he was diagnosed with tumors in his brain and body and was given 6 months to live.


Special thanks to former Av Brett Clark and NHL Hall of Famer Michel Goulet adding celebrity spice to the tournament and supporting the Fay family
Tournament director Max Wright rallied the community and together we were able to raise $42,000 to help with crushing medical bills faced by Sarah. In February, Connor broke his tibia and fibula at a hockey tournament in Minnesota. He had surgery to repair his leg and has been working hard to get back on the ice.

Dawg Nation's Mike Freeman and Martin Richardson joined (left to right) Derek, Sarah, Connor, Brett Clark, Michel Goulet and Max Wright at the tournament.

We help many and the stories of recovery and perseverance are stirring. In September, the Dawg Father visited the home of Porter Johnson for a special celebration. Porter is five and has bravely battled leukemia for nearly his entire life. Recently he “rang the bell” as he officially had his last cancer treatment! Avs coach Jared Bednar joined In the fun with a surprise FaceTime call and we had a gift for Porter. We are so happy for Porter and his parents Jen Johnson (a hockey player) and Sarah Porter.
Paying it Forward
Fischer Hockey of the Rockies is donating 20% to Dawg Nation when you buy sticks, gloves or goalie sticks during the ’20-’21 season.

As a bonus, prices are 20% off Fischer Hockey’s retail pricing!

“From the youngest Mites, through the upcoming Junior Stars to the recreational and competitive Adult league player, Fischer Hockey’s goal is to provide the best sticks and gloves at reasonable prices,” said Fischer rep Lance Jaeger. 
Fischer Hockey of the Rockies is the exclusive distributor of Fischer Hockey Sticks and Gloves to Youth Players and Organizations, Junior and College Players and Teams, and Adult Players, teams and leagues in the Rocky Mountain Region. 
At Checkout, use the COUPON CODE: 
DawgNation

Colorado Gives Day is December 8. It’s your chance to show your support for Dawg Nation and help us help those in our community. Last year you contributed $14,500. How big was that? It exceeded all previous nine years combined. Let’s break the record again next month! Thank you for your continuing generosity! 
Magic Red Carpet Rides
The Dawgs were excited to be part of the World Premiere of DREP-Fight for Life at the Breckenridge Film Festival in September. This story of strength, courage, love, friendship and survival chronicles the journey of Dave and Amanda Repsher. 

DREP won the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the Festival!

The Repshers and director Mike Mazzanti attended virtually and did a Q and A with film fans after the screening.
The awards for this inspiring documentary keep rolling in. Earlier this month, Denver Festival fans voted DREP the coveted People's Choice Award. These are the first two festivals where the film has played. Many more will have a chance to see the movie as its run of the film festival circuit is only beginning.
To Be a Dawg, You've Got to Look Like a Dawg
Now you can. Shop our new online store. You’ll find hats, t-shirts, hoodies, flannels, winter caps, and golf polos. Also items with the unique Dawg Nation logo like coasters, blue tooth speakers, backpacks and bags. These make fabulous holiday gifts. We’ll ship everything right to your door.


Be sure to check out the Jan Hejda collection. The former Av and NHL star has a keen eye for fashion. Jan is a DN board member who is up on the latest trends that guarantee you’ll look sharp at the arena or on the go.


Cindy Lauman and Halo Branded Solutions have been helping outfit the DAWGS for years. Now, with Cindy’s help and leadership, we make it easy for you to find your favorite Dawg items.
Your Purchase gives back twice. When you treat yourself or someone you love to a great gift, you are also supporting our rink project. It’s called Building Hockey’s Heart. All the proceeds from our merchandise store will be directed to this program.
Coming Up

Dawg Nation Pond Hockey is back and bigger and better than ever. The Dawg Nation Winter Classic presented by DREP was scheduled for January 9 and 10 on North Pond in Silverthorne. We were able to move the event to January 30 and 31 combining resources that benefit everyone.
The Pups and Pros game returns with kids teaming with legendary pro players in a once in a lifetime game.

We’ve got room for 72 teams with competition in several divisions including welcoming back our sled hockey players.
The player auction gives you the opportunity to bid on former Avs to skate on your team! Milan Hejduk, Kyle Quincey, Jan Hejda, John-Michael Liles, John Mitchell and other hockey greats will be there.
 
We have partnered with the DREP team, the town of Silverthorne, and the Avs Alumni Association to create an incredible weekend.
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.
Thanks to Martin Richardson, Mike Freeman, Bill Miller and Rob Packard for their assistance.

Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation
720 432 9471
PO Box 182
Indian Hills, CO 80454