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Greetings!
Hello DAWG Nation!
Follow us as we reach new milestones, venture to the north, recognize legends, and get ready for another night of laughs, cheers, tears and giving back.
| | | | We capped off a memorable 2025 with yet another very successful Colorado Gives Day, this time netting over $100,000! The marathon day included heartwarming stories, interviews, testimonials, recipients, sponsors, donors and hockey celebrities. Among our guests were NHL Hall of Famer Michel Goulet, legendary NHL referee Jay Sharrers and NHL record holder Doug Smail. We also spent time with families and friends of those that have been touched by DAWG Nation. Their memories and experiences are the life blood of our pack and are only possible with the support of all of you. | | Thank you to everyone that continues to support our cause and allows us to make a difference in the lives of those that need it most. | | |
DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation began with a simple passing of hat in the beer league locker room. After losing a beloved teammate we decided to do something special to honor our friend and teammate. On January 1, 2011 a nondescript group of eight decided to do their best to make a difference as each tossed a $100 bill in the middle of the table. That simple gesture set in motion something none of us could of ever imagined.
Fifteen years later we have now eclipsed $6,000,000 provided to families in need!! $6,000,000! Let that sink in, not in our wildest dreams could we have anticipated reaching such a seemingly unattainable number.
The best thing about that milestone is that it was accomplished by literally thousands of kind hearted souls like you. A tip of the hat to all of you that have donated, sponsored, participated, volunteered, supported and unselfishly put others before yourself. Congrats to all of us!
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We are excited to announce the 16th annual "Stand Up for DAWG Nation" event. This one is lining up to be the best ever! Scheduled for Saint Patrick's Day (Tuesday, March 17th) we will be welcoming back the incredible Josh Blue as the headliner for this event! The evening will also include John "Hippie Man" Novosad, along with our usual "off the charts" auction items and one of the most moving surprise check presentations we have ever had.
This one always sells out, so don't wait!
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Since 2019, each year we round up our crew and make the annual trip to Humboldt, Saskatchewan.
The trip is powerful and important as each journey has something a little different and always includes new special memories.
For the first time in our ten treks to the crash site, we were joined by a survivor and his family. Layne Matechuk was just 18 when the crash on April 6, 2018 resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left Layne clinging to life. It’s been a long journey, but Layne is now living on his own and is a truly a remarkable young man. We watched Layne carefully as he looked at the crosses representing his teammates, coaches, and friends that were lost on that very spot. He was sad, but he also shared beautiful stories with us as he recalled cherished memories of his hockey family.
The trip also included attending two Humboldt Bronco games, incidentally both won by the good guys! Our own Dawg Father is taking a bit of credit as he called the starting lineup both nights!
As a follow-up to the trip, Humboldt’s Blaine Weyland did a wonderful job in describing the unique relationship that has been forged by the Broncos and Dawgs.
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Milan Hejduk has been an integral part of the Colorado hockey world since 1998, and an important piece of our organization since 2013. On February 14th he turned 50! Hard to believe that Hedgie has hit the half century mark, but wow has he made the most of those fifty years. Gold medalist, Stanley Cup champion, Rocket Richard Trophy, retired number, Colorado HOF and most importantly, one heck of a guy!
Over the years, we have been blessed with the support of many hockey heros and celebrities, but #23 stands above the rest! Again and again Milan has stepped to support us as we support others.
Happy Birthday Hedgie, here’s to 50 more!
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DAWG Nation is built on the generosity of many, and sometimes that generosity is taken to an entirely new level. Earlier this year, Tyler Kellogg and Mike Lowndes showed us all what that level looks like.
Tyler has been organizing and running the Logg Jam Pond Tourney in Frisco for several years and each year he uses the event to raise money for DAWG Nation and we often parlay that with a recipient check as well. In January, Tyler was at it again with another successful tourney and another donation to DAWG Nation.
Mike “Lowndsey” Lowndes grew up in Connecticut and is quite a player with an even bigger heart. Mike organized and ran the first ever “Lowndsey Classic” in Fraser, Colorado. This was Mike’s very first foray into running a tournament and he did an incredible job as the event included eight teams and ran like clockwork. In the end Mike was able to make a very generous donation to the DAWG Nation from the profits.
Thank you Tyler and Mike!
| | Ladies - Save the Date - Hockey And Heels | | |
Calling all ladies… you are invited to join us for the 2nd annual Hockey and Heels Gals Night Out, a special event to celebrate women in hockey! And wow… is there ever a lot to celebrate, beginning with Women’s USA Olympic Team taking GOLD!!!! And so much more. Please join us for appetizers and wine as we launch Dawg Bowl XVI, on Thursday June 25th, 6-8PM for a fun evening in support of DNHF. We will again have some great guest speakers, one-of-a-kind auction items, and exclusive Dawgs Merchandise. Included with ticket purchase is an awesome “thank you gift bag” of goodies, a $10 off coupon good towards the purchase of Dawgs merchandise, as well as a fun photo booth… and of course a couple of surprises.
All this and tickets are just $25, and can be purchased either at Stand Up for Dawg Nation, at the Comedy Works 3/17, or by contacting Cynthia@skyspec.com.
Tickets are limited. We look forward to having you join us.
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Don Coombe spent 72 years on this earth, and he certainly made the most of every day. Don always enjoyed life to its fullest with his true loves being hockey, golf and family, but not necessarily in that order.
In November, Don suffered a massive stroke that left him clinging to life. His family rallied and prayed for one more miracle for a man that has defied the odds more times than we can count. However, today our friend said “goodbye” while surrounded by the ones that loved him most.
The Colorado hockey community is heartbroken but also grateful to have known this incredible man. Don was a fighter in every sense of the word, setting a beautiful example to all of us. We will all miss his infectious positive attitude but also take solace in the fact he made us all better people.
We will Miss Don.
| | So Long Sammy G, Till Next Time! | | |
One of toughest things about pro sports is when one of your favorite players gets traded. Samuel “Sammy G” Girard was that to us, but not because of his prowess on ice. Time and time again we watched Sammy take time out of his life to make others feel special. Whether it was lacing em up for the Top Dawgs, showing up at an event, snapping a photo, signing a picture, or lifting the spirits of a kid with cancer, Sammy G always delivered.
We’ll miss #49 but we have a feeling he’ll be back, maybe even in a Dawgs jersey!
Best of luck Sammy and continue to make the world a better place!
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Declan Farmer is an incredible athlete that has rewritten the record books in the Paralympic sport of sled hockey. Undeniably the world’s greatest sled hockey player, this 28 year old is much more than that! As an ambassador to DAWG Nation, Declan is a frequent participant at DAWG events and can also often be found inspiring the next generation of sled players.
Declan and his teammates are prepping for the Paralympics in quest of his fourth gold medal. This Princeton grad is literally rewriting the record books while inspiring anyone that is fortunate enough to cross his path.
Please take a moment to read this article by NBC Sports’ Nick Zaccardi. Nick highlights DAWG Nation, but also gives a glimpse into the life of greatest sled player in history!
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Michael Heaton
In April of 2025 Michael Heaton suffered a devastating workplace injury that cost him the first knuckle to fingertip on the middle three fingers of his right hand.
It’s been a long recovery but Michael continues to face each day with positive attitude and strong will.
Michael has been an important part of the DAWG Nation pack for many years and on November 16th Michael’s family, friends and teammates rallied around him with a proverbial group hug and a check for one of their own and presented him with a check for $26,300.
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Everett Jeske
Everett Jeske is an eleven year old that faces every day with determination and courage.
Born with cerebral palsy, routine tasks can be challenge for this sports fanatic and sled hockey player.
The Jeske family recently moved to a new home as their former tri-level home was very difficult for Everett to navigate. That’s where Josh Thall and Spyder Construction came in. They were able to widen doors and complete an incredible handicapped accessible bathroom perfect for Everett. We officially unveiled it recently and we were also able to surprise the family with a check for $10,000!
The day wrapped up with Everett schooling the Dawg Father in an epic Bubble Hockey matchup. Stay tuned to round two, because we weren’t quite done with Everett yet!
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Paul Clark
December 13th was a special day at Benders Bar and Grill as friends and family gathered to honor and say goodbye to a friend.
Paul Clark was familiar face at the Promenade Ice Centre for years, he was missed when he moved to Jefferson, Colorado to fulfill his dream as a business owner, but still made the trek “down the hill” to spend time with his people and always greeted them with a smile and hug.
Please raise a glass to Paul and remember one of the good guys.
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Congratulations to Men's and Women's USA Hockey and for bringing home the GOLD!
Also, Save the Date for the Dawg Bowl June 24th-28th 2026.
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To Our Suporters, Donors, Partners, and Sponsors ...Thank You! |
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This newsletter was written and produced by many people this quarter, Jeff Kingery has written and designed this newsletter for many years, which we dearly appreciate and he should be back at it soon!
Thanks to Martin Richardson and Rob Packard for their assistance. Many photos by Kelli Packard.
Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation
720.432.9471
10658 W Centennial Rd. Ste 200
Littleton, CO 80127
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