Greetings!
Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. In this newsletter, Comedy Night takes center stage, we're part of an emotional hockey game in Wyoming and we'll share some special friendships with you.
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The 11th annual Stand Up for DAWG Nation Comedy Night was spectacular as supporters returned to the Comedy Works. We raised over $70,000, a new Comedy Night record! The money benefits those in the hockey community.
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Case in point…we surprised Joe Bradley with a check for $16,375. Joe has overcome cancer. We also presented Joe with a Survivor jersey.
With Joe (c) are (left to right) Dawg Nation Executive Director Mike Freeman, Andrew Perzi,,Joe's mom Jo Ann and step-father Tony Newt, brother Ben and Martin Richardson.
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At Comedy Night the DAWGS always honor a veteran for his service. Mike Freeman (above) paid tribute to John Reid, a former sergeant in the Marine Corps who was wounded in action overseas. John is currently President of the Warrior Avs sled hockey club. |
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Eric Goodman served as MC and did a sensational job helping us raise a record amount.
We congratulated Miles Batchelder for ringing the remission bell and his recovery from cancer. Miles is with his parents John and Krista.
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“After the pandemic made last year’s show a watch from home event for many, it was terrific that we could all be back at Comedy Works,” said Dawg Nation founder and CEO Martin Richardson. “Big thanks to our comedians, Derrick Stroup, Geoff Tice and Talon Saucerman! |
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In August, The DAWGS were in Jackson, Wyoming, at a benefit weekend and game for the Spencer Morton family. |
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In May, Spencer died at 38 of a heart attack, leaving wife Melissa and one child with another on the way. Spencer played Division 1 college hockey at the University of Vermont. He called Jackson Hole home and played for the Jackson Hole Moose. He was an expert fishing guide and owner of the Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School. |
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At the game the DAWGS presented a check for $45,000 to Melissa and her family. Before the weekend was over, the community raised an additional $15,000. |
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The game featured NHL Hall of Famer Milan Hejduk and son David playing together for the first time ever. Other hockey stars including Jan Hejda, Peter Sejna, Reed Low and Aaron MacKenzie played for the Dawgs and helped make the night special for so many in Jackson.
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“There were many moments that we will cherish forever,” said an emotional Martin Richardson. “Dawg recipient Drew Myers used his RV and drove us to Jackson, Moose players guided us on the Snake River, Shaw Hockey Productions allowed everyone to participate and a hockey legend, Bobby Holik, took us shooting. Most importantly we lifted up Melissa and her beautiful family.” |
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Melissia was 8 months pregnant at the game. Daughter Eloise was born September 8. |
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In September, perfect weather greeted a sold-out field for the 11th Annual Tee it Up for Dawg Nation tournament. Jake Schroeder got it started with the National Anthem. We raised over $125,000, a new tournament record! We are proud to partner with Andy Benson and the Highlands Ranch Golf Course staff and TAG Insurance Services, the only title sponsor our tournament has ever had.
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The highlight of the day was a surprise check presentation of $60,000 to Van and Nicole Stone. 2 1/2 years ago Van Stone had an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left this former college hockey player fighting for his life. |
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Earlier this summer, Van was able to skate for the first time since the accident. |
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Dawgs and Avs - $5K at the 5K
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In November, the Dawgs were out in force for the Avs annual 5K at Red Rocks Park. Nigel Richardson and the Dawg Father (a great name for a rock band!) were among the participants. Nigel had a heart transplant earlier this year! Shannon Walsch was part of our registration team. The Avs donate a percentage of every entry fee to Dawg Nation. This year the Avalanche presented us with a check for close to $5,000! |
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Giving back is what Dawg Nation is all about. In 11 years we've helped almost families with more than $2,800,000 in recipient aid. Thank you to all that donate, sponsor, bid, and continue to support. We simply can’t do this without you! |
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In November, we helped Jacob Wojewski with a check to cover his hockey fees with the Arapahoe Warriors. Jacob’s dad, Jack, died recently leaving wife Larice and the family devastated and on unsure financial footing. We made sure Jacob can continue playing the sport he loves. Joining Jacob and Larice are Cap, Dawg Nation Board Member Dave Chamberlain and Dawg Nation's newest Board Member Craig Blumengold. |
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In November, we joined the Littleton Hockey Association at the Edge Arena for a Celebration of Life for Kyle “Obie” Obuhancik who died in October from complications from COVID at 34. Kyle joined the Littleton Hockey Association 10 years ago and was beloved by his fellow coaches and by his players and their parents for his passion and leadership. Through donations, an auction and matching dollars from Dawg Nation we presented a check for $15,700 to the family and nieces Paige, Hannah, and Fiona. |
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In September, a packed house at the Edge Ice Arena was on hand as we made a $30,050 presentation to Nick and Courtney Kroha. Nick and Courtney are life-long Coloradans. Nick attended Chatfield High School where he played hockey. Courtney was on the cheerleading team at Mountain Vista High School. Nick and Courtney learned their soon to be born son T.J. would need open heart surgery immediately after birth. The check will go a long ways toward paying off enormous medical expenses. |
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Avs head coach Jared Bednar and (left to right) players Sam Girard, Logan O'Connor and Tyson Jost shared their time and energy, putting smiles on the faces of Avs fans and Kroha supporters alike.
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On October 2, T.J. was born and a week later had the surgery at Children’s Hospital. The operation was a success. It’s anticipated that T.J. will lead a completely normal life and that hockey will be a big part of it!
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Playing in Dawg Bowl XI in June, Mike Morgan (center, in blue) broke his leg in six places. His wedding to Lisa (at Mike's right) was coming up in October. The Dawgs “crashed” the pre-wedding party and presented the couple with a check for $10,300 to pay off medical expenses. |
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In October, the DAWGS were at the Butch Mousseau Memorial Golf Tournament. A member of the Sioux Nation, Butch is the only Native American to referee an NHL hockey game. Butch died in 2015, but his legacy lives on as one of the most beloved officials ever to lace em' up.
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The tournament raised money to help with the education of Butch’s three children. Butch’s son, S.J. (with Cap and Mike) was a Dawg Nation intern this summer. |
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In the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains lies a tiny mining town called Victor. Despite a population of a mere 410, these proud residents have created an amazing hockey rink to bring the community together. A community that is struggling with the recent loss of two of their own. In August, we helped celebrate the lives of two beloved members of this small hockey family. Wes Shutts and Sharon Engels were integral pieces of this tight knit group and although they can’t be replaced, they can and will be remembered. We hope to return this winter for a fun game with the Victor Penguins! – Martin Richardson |
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Jon Orelt (below) came from St. Louis to visit with us at Comedy Night in October.
Jon was joined by teammates Jared Schmierbach and Matthew Heath (photo at left).
Jon played hockey his entire life. In September of 2019, a freak accident left him paralyzed.
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The Dawgs first surprised Jon with a check to help with expenses. In April of last year Cap and Mike Freeman were in St. Louis to help Jon’s family, friends and teammates stage a 3 on 3 indoor hockey tournament. They raised $55,000. "We were so happy to see Jonny O at Comedy Night and know that his rehab work is going well," said Mike. |
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Colorado Gives Day is December 7. It’s your chance to show your support for Dawg Nation and help us help our community. Last year combined with the Year End Giving Campaign you contributed $60,000. How big was that? It exceeded all previous ten years combined. Let’s break the record again this year! Thank you for your continuing generosity!
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We return for season two with all new podcasts. Co-hosted by Marty and Mike, the DawgPods were an immediate hit with hockey fans when they premiered in 2020. |
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John Michael Liles was drafted by the Avalanche. He played 7 seasons in Colorado and wrapped up a career of over 800 games with Toronto, Carolina and Boston. He's currently a studio analyst with the Avs and a huge supporter of Dawg Nation. Fun and insight come your way.
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Episode four features Samantha Hiller. At 12, she decided she wanted to be a hockey official. Now she’s one of the first 10 women working in the AHL.
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Meet Dave Jackson in Podcast 3. Dave is one of only five referees in NHL history to work more than 1,500 games! Inside stories abound.
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The Avs Logan O’Connor joins us in episode 2. Join us for Dave’s story from DU to the Colorado Eagles to the Avs and our Dawg Bowl.
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NHL agent Peter Wallen kicks off the new season. Peter represents Avs captain Gabe Landeskog. Hear about the negotiations that kept #92 in an Av’s sweater.
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Dawg Nation Ambassador and Avs TV analyst Peter McNab is fighting cancer. “Peter the Great has been part of Dawg Nation from our very humble beginnings. ALWAYS there when someone needed a little boost. ALWAYS saying yes to any and all requests. ALWAYS thinking of others first,” said Martin Richardson. “Well now it's time to put Peter first. Peter can use all of your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes.” |
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A Special Moment is Coming
On December 9, McNab will be inducted into the USA Hockey Hall of Fame. Dinner and the induction ceremony will be held at the Marriott DTC. McNab plans to be there! “With his positive attitude and a literal army of supporters behind him, we know that Maxey will once again come out on top,” said the Dawg Father.
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In November, Rob Fees was killed in a motorcycle accident. “Rob was a son, a husband, a father, with son Rylan (l) and daughter Reagan (r), a coach, a member of our armed forces and a DAWG, “said Martin Richardson. “With the aid of Dawg Nation's Trevor Clark, Rob was the founder of our Colorado Springs Dawgs and also the architect behind the Monument Meltdown Tournament that aided needy families. Rob will be dearly missed by all and remembered forever.”
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The Dawgs congratulate Malik Jones who is now on the short list to make the U.S. Paralympic hockey team. Malik scored a goal and had an assist in an October series with Canada that helped him make the most recent cut.
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Malik has played in many of our sled hockey events. Malik was born in Aurora and his legs were amputated at birth. He’s now 18 and the first African American named to this prestigious squad. Next, Malik will travel with the team to the Czech Republic later this year. His goal is to make the final roster and then do everything he can to help the red, white and blue to another gold medal at the Olympics next year in China.
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Get your DAWG Swag on. Our store is stocked and ready. We have great hats, hoodies, t-shirts, joggers, polos, vests, jackets and more. All purchases help you give twice, once to yourself or the recipient of your gift, and you are also Giving Back to DAWG Nation. Start your shopping today!
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Dawg Nation Pond Hockey is back and bigger and better than ever. The Dawg Nation Winter Classic presented by DREP returns to the North Pond January 15-17. Our partnership with the DREP team, the town of Silverthorne, and the Avs Alumni Association all comes together to create an incredible weekend of pond hockey and giving back.
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Pups and Pros return with young players teaming with hockey greats.
As always, former NHL stars will be available to play on your team if you submit the winning bid.
We welcome 72 teams across 5 divisions plus Sled hockey and Blind hockey.
As always, join us for the welcoming party and auction items you won't find anywhere else.
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To Our Suporters, Donors, Partners, and Sponsors ...Thank You! |
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This newsletter was written and edited by Jeff Kingery. Photos by Kelli Packard.
Comedy Night photos by Shannon Pelot.
Thank you to Austin and Barrett Chow for Top Dawgs/Moose game pictures in Jackson, Wyoming.
Thanks to Trevor Knoll at RMK Visions for the Van and Nicole Stone video.
John Michael Liles photo courtesy of TheNHL.fandom.com
Thanks to Martin Richardson, Mike Freeman, Meryl Kingery and Rob Packard for their assistance.
Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation
720 432 9471
PO Box 182
Indian Hills, CO 80454
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