Reminder: Our 4th Quarter Newsletter is here.

Greetings!

We attend the world premiere of DREP, present some very special people with life changing rewards and look forward to the return of pond hockey.

DREP Celebrates Survival...and Love

All of Dawg Nation knows Dave and Amanda Repsher. Now their story is on the big screen. October 27 was a special night as Dawg Nation hosted the premiere of the documentary, DREP. Over 400 packed Denver's Gothic Theater.

Touchingly directed by multi Emmy award winner Mike Mazzanti, the film shows Dave's survival and long recovery from a Flight for Life helicopter crash in 2015. Following the screening, Mazzanti presented the Repshers with a picture of them taken on the set. Dave and Amanda gave Mike a DREP jersey. He immediately donned it and it's doubtful he has removed it yet!

Dawg Nation played a very important role in Dave's unlikely recovery, raising almost $150,000 that allowed Amanda to remain by Dave's side.

"It is an amazing story of hope and courage," said Dawg Nation President and CEO Martin Richardson who is joined (from left) by DREP team player Todd Goode, Peter Fryzlewicz and Matt Martinez, who donated a kidney to Dave Repsher.

Richardson added, "Most of all this movie tells the love story of Dave and Amanda."

An Ice Arena for All

The premiere of DREP also was the setting for more big news. With the City of Castle Pines donating the land, the Dawgs' dream of building an ice arena is a go!

The arena will have three rinks and be accessible to able bodied and disabled athletes. Ground breaking is scheduled for October of next year.

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No Bogeys at this Tournament

In September, the Dawgs took to the links. The 9 ^th annual Tee It Up for Dawg Nation tournament raised $102,000!

Jan Hejda (left) and Milan Hejduk (right) participated. Along with Michel Goulet, Peter McNab, Dallas Smith, Kyle Quincey, John Mitchell, Rick Berry, Mark Popovic, Gabe Gauthier, and Dave Jackson they gave the tournament the NHL flavor that makes this a unique event. Yes, these guys can hit it!

Jake Schroeder belted out his signature rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Thanks to the staff at DU Golf Club at Highlands Ranch.

Thanks to Greg Ahbe and the Tag Insurance Group. They have been the lead sponsor every year.

Remembering Todd Smith

On September 9, an incredible day at the Tee It Up for Dawg Nation tournament culminated with the presentation of a check for $48,000 to Todd, with his daughters Tatianna and Hailey.

“Todd was a son, a brother, a friend, a hockey player, a teammate, but mostly a terrific father, remembered Martin Richardson with Todd, Dawg Nation Executive Director Mike Freeman (left) and Dawg Nation Ambassador Andy Gerrie.

“Todd touched many lives and will be remembered as someone that always put others before himself. During our time with Todd we witnessed countless acts of kindness that were both inspirational and important.”

In late October, Todd died of cancer at 50.

A Helping Paw

Giving back is what Dawg Nation is all about. In seven years we've helped over 100 families in times of need with over $1,600,000 in recipient aid.

In September, the Dawgs and local referees helped one of their own. Mike Weigert is a long time local ref that needed surgery after a car accident and was unable to work during his recovery. We surprised Mike and his fiancé, now wife, Christina with a check for $3,000.

On hand (left to right) are Martin Richardson , Lance Jaeger , Mike and Christina , Ian Croft and Craig Blumengold .

Mike and Christina also attended an Avs game. Thanks to Dawg Nation Ambassador and former NHL ref Dave Jackson, they also visited the NHL referee locker room.

Rob Holdaway is an adult league hockey player with the game in his blood. His dad was a D-man for the old Denver Spurs. Rob had big medical bills from recent heart surgery. The Dawgs presented Rob with a check for $10,000.

Learn More About Our Recipients

Paying it Forward

In October the Avs staged their annual 5k in and around the Pepsi Center with 800 walking, running, skating and using wheelchairs. The Avs donate a portion of each entry fee to Dawg Nation and this year presented a check to us for $4,000.

Emi Fryzlewicz had a genetic disorder that required open heart surgery.

Not long after, she was with the Dawg Father and enjoying the sun and fun.

Porter Johnson (left) and Jack Rodell had a ball. They continue to inspire us, proving that life doesn’t stop after a cancer diagnosis.

Dawgs, Pios and Warriors

Dawg Nation Night at Denver University on November 1 was another rousing success as the Dawgs were out in force to root on the Pios and take in some terrific sled hockey action. The home team didn’t disappoint as DU came away with a solid 6-2 win over Niagara.

Not to be outdone, members of the Warrior Avs sled hockey wowed the crowd with a tremendous display of skill and agility. Thank you to all that came out in support. - Martin Richardson

It's Your Turn

Colorado Gives Day is December 10. It’s the opportunity for everyone to donate to local non-profit organizations like Dawg Nation.

Of course, you can donate to Dawg Nation at any time. Colorado Gives Day reminds you to participate and give where you live and enjoy special matching grants.

Last year, you donated a record amount to Dawg Nation. We’re grateful for your help and look forward to shattering that total in 2019.

Young, Talented and...Champs!

Congratulations to Dawg Nation’s Jan Hejda and his U11 Thunderbirds. In October, Coach Hejda and his boys took home the hardware at the Detroit Motown Tourney.

Back to the Pond

Dawg Nation Pond Hockey is back and bigger and better than ever.

Silverthorne is the place to be January 11-12. We are proud to partner with the town of Silverthorne, the Avs Alumni Association, and the Dave and Amanda Repsher Foundation to create an amazing weekend in Summit County.

Your team can play in one of 4 divisions and you can bid for celebrity pros to play on your team. Think of skating next to Milan Hejduk, Jan Hejda, Kyle Quincey or John-Michael Liles!

There will be sled hockey for the first time, terrific gift bags, a tournament party. And, as they always do, the Dawgs will help a family in need.