2017 AVALANCHE ALUMNI OPEN SEPTEMBER 2017

Team Registration Fee --- $1,600 Games will be played at Pepsi Center & Local CO Rinks • 5 Divisions for varying skill levels • 3 Game Guarantee. Each team will play a minimum of one game at Pepsi Center • Colorado Avalanche Tickets options per team registration for select 2017-2018 home games • Winning teams will get the opportunity to skate with select Avalanche Alumni members

For more information go to Avstix.com/AvsAlumniOpen DAWG NATION HOCKEY FOUNDATION

PROUDLY PRESENTS The 7th Annual DAWG BOWL

2017 TOURNAMENT PROGRAM “It’s your world. enjoy it!”

Landscape Architecture • Construction • Maintenance • Lighting • Outdoor Living

DESIGNS BY SUNDOWN creates outdoor spaces that reflect your individual style and passion.

303.789.4400 www.DesignsBySundown.com WELCOME TO DAWG BOWL VII

Welcome! The Dawg Bowl is the flagship event of the DNHF, and we’re very proud to have you here. Now in our seventh year, we’ve grown to over 40 teams and put on the largest adult hockey tournament in the region. As in years past, we’ll have seven divisions, allowing players of all levels to compete. And even though there will be seven champions by the end of the weekend, the real winner will be the Rocky Mountain Region’s adult hockey community. Because of your generosity, we will be able to help many players and their families, and they’ll know they have a whole bunch of hockey players standing right behind them as they face their challenges. Our goal this weekend is for you to have the best hockey experience possible. Please take some time to not only play the games, but check out our barbeque, the kid’s area, live bands, our unbelievable silent auction, and especially our Survivor Game on Saturday afternoon which this year will be followed by a special sled hockey exhibition game. It will give you an idea of what we’re all about, and why we’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. If we can do anything to make your weekend better, please let us know. Thanks again for coming, and have a great weekend! Sincerely,

Martin “Cappy” Richardson Executive Director, Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation DAWG BOWL VII TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

Tournament Games: 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Welcome Dinner presented by Del Taco: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Tournament Games: 1:55 pm - 10:35 pm

Silent Auction: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Rylie Guentensberger tribute and check presentation 6:00 pm

Top Dawgs versus Denver Concrete: 6:50 pm - East Rink

Welcome Dinner presented by Del Taco: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Tournament Games: 7:00 am - 10:40 pm

Silent Auction: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

BBQ (hosted by Moe’s): 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Kid Zone: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Live Music: Jumbo Lifeguard 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Top Dawgs versus Vigilantes: 11:20 am - West Rink SATURDAY, JUNE 24 CONT.

Survivor Game presented by Ethos Financial: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm

Giving back! Check Presentation: 1:00 pm - East Rink

Giving back! Check Presentation: 1:30 pm - East Rink

Sled Hockey exhibition: 2:30 pm - East Rink

Live Music: Powerflushers 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Platinum Division Semi-Finals: 7:10 pm & 8:00 pm

Giving back! Check Presentation: 7:30 pm - Penalty Box Bar

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Tournament Games: 7:00 am - 12:35 pm

Silent Auction final pick up: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Bronze A Division Championship: 1:05 pm

Copper B Division Championship: 1:40 pm

Platinum Division Championship: 2:20 pm

Women’s Division Championship: 2:55 pm

Bronze B Division Championship: 3:35 pm

Copper A Division Championship: 4:10 pm

Silver Division Championship: 4:50pm

Ethos Financial Partners COLORADO AVALANCHE TEAM MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM Avalanche Season Team Memberships are designed to fit your hockey schedule and team needs. Take advantage of this membership which allows your youth or adult hockey team access to exclusive benefits!

Benefits include and are not limited to: • Season Membership pricing • Hockey schedule redemption night flexibility • $300/seat team rebate (Lower Level/Keybank Club Level) *Eligible for all hockey related expenses or fees • $200/seat team rebate (Upper Level) *Eligible for all hockey related expenses or fees • Host your team party at an Avalanche home game • Customizable payment plans

To learn more please contact Connor Duckhorn with the Colorado Avalanche Amateur Hockey Development Department at 303.405.1690 or [email protected] FROM THE DAWG BOWL TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

The Dawg Bowl is a true charity hockey event. After operating expenses (ice time, refs., etc.), every penny of the net proceeds from entry fees, barbeque, and our silent auction go into a fund to help adult hockey players and their families in the Rocky Mountain Region. The motto of the Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation is “Play hard, play fair, give back”. And we ask that you keep the spirit of that motto in mind as you play this weekend. Enjoy our barbeque, have a beer, and check out our many terrific silent auction items. And always remember that this event is for fun, and will help change the lives of your fellow players. So be cool, okay?

TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES

In the event there is a tie in game points at the end of preliminary play, the tie-breaker results shall be determined by the subsequent criteria, in the following order: 1. The winner in head to head games played 2. Fewest goals against 3. Goal differential from tournament games played 4. Most goals scored 5. Fewest penalty minutes 6. Earliest time of first goal scored in tournament 7. Coin toss 8. Captains fight to the death

FOLLOW DAWG BOWL ONLINE

Real-time schedule, results, and standings at www.myhockeyhouse.com THE 2017 SURVIVOR GAME

It started on the ice... doesn’t it always! Two fierce competitors, a tight game, and a few penalties... and an unlikely friendship was forged. With Danny wrongly “screening” Steve, the goalie, as the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. To say Steve wasn’t happy would be putting it mildly. A strong “nudge” from one of Steve’s teammates that sent Danny flying into the boards got the kid’s attention, even if he wasn’t clear as to why. After the game, the Dawgs team captain, Martin Richardson, also the Dawg Father to all of Dawg Nation, including the foundation, set Danny straight on the code of conduct and suggested Danny call Steve to set things right.

After an explanation and apology, the two players got to talking, really talking, and discovered they had something besides hockey in common, they were both cancer survivors! Sharing their journeys through the illness forged a bond, and formed an idea, to bring together those hockey players who, like them, had beaten the odds, and create a roster of survivors to play the game they all loved.

MEET THE 2017 SURVIVOR GAME PLAYERS

Spencer Allen Spencer was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma brain tumor when he was 15 years old. After three surgeries, two rounds of chemo, and one of radiation, he is loving life at 33. After working as a ski patroller and whitewater raft guide in the mountains for many years, he finally decided to get a little more serious and graduated from DU law school in 2015. Although he loves all things outdoors, playing hockey twice a week keeps him sane. Jacob Bailey I have been playing hockey since I was 10. I was diagnosed in June 2009 at the age of 23 with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease became progressive and left me sidelined from hockey for 6 years. In 2013, the doctors at the University of Colorado Hospital put me on a trial that has given me the mobility to keep going for eight months of the year. I am truly grateful for my family because they have all supported me through times in a wheelchair, a cane, eye sight lost and much more. Never giving up, I have always found new ways to continue the activities that I love. I am now working towards my Addiction Counseling Certification and Equine Animal Assisted Therapy. Thank you Dawg Nation for allowing me to be a part of this inspiring cause!!!

Timothy Bennett Tim was diagnosed with testicular cancer in December 2010 and underwent surgery the same. The first question Tim asked the doctors after his surgery was how soon he could play hockey again. Shortly thereafter, Tim was back at it and enjoying life again, which of course included hockey. Unfortunately, since then he has had three recurrences, most recently in December 2016. Throughout these years, Tim has undergone numerous surgeries and chemotherapy. Tim is still an active duty officer in the Army and is grateful for everyday he continues to serve his country. As with any team, Tim continues to win with a great team of doctors, surgeons, and most importantly his wife Ashley, who has gotten Tim back in hockey-shape after each procedure. Tim is excited to participate in the Dawg Nation Survivor Game and is grateful for the opportunity. Motto/Advice: When nothing goes right, go left.

Dan Bitondo Dan is a 10 year survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He went through six months of Chemo and has been cancer free ever since! The FIRST thing he did when the doctor cleared him was to get back on the ice. Says he was 40lbs overweight and out of shape after his treatment. “Hockey got me back into shape and I continue to skate every week!” Motto/Advice: If you are diagnosed with cancer, try to keep a positive outlook, have faith in your doctors and modern medicine and you can win!

Greg Bronson I have been playing hockey since I was four. Can’t tell by the way I skate, but I sure enjoy it. I am very lucky to have recovered from prostate cancer that I had seven years ago. I look forward to playing in this game and tournament each year but mostly to play with a bunch of great people. I am playing in Albuquerque in Joe Hanson’s NM Hockey League once a week, but look forward to it every week.

continued › David Chamberlin David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2008 and underwent radical prostatectomy in March of that year. With the support and encouragement of the Dawg Nation, he recovered in time to climb a 18,600-foot mountain in Russia four months later in July 2008. Cancer scans since surgery have all been clean! Motto/Advice: Always think positively. If you think you can’t, you won’t; if you think you can, you will.

Tristan Close Tristan was diagnosed with a Germinoma brain tumor sophomore year of high school (2010), after performing brain surgery and having rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy he had beaten it 6 months after being diagnosed. He is now 7 years out from his last treatment making it official to be called remission! Tristan now attends Colorado Mesa University and plays for the club college team there as well as studying mechanical engineering! He would not be where he is today without his friends/family and his girlfriend, Julie!

Don Coombes Don’s been playing since high school, through college and all his adult life. Diagnosed with cancer of the tongue in 2003, his battle has been long, with the disease returning in 2007 and despite strenuous radiation and chemo, again in 2010, when he underwent a major 11-hour long surgery . . . and he’s been cancer free ever since. Through it all, he’s played and coached the game he loves. Motto/Advice: NEVER GIVE UP! If you want something bad enough, like having more time with your family, you NEVER QUIT FIGHTING!

Mark Daugherty Mark was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May of 2013. He underwent 6 months of chemo and radiation and has been in remission since October 2013. Mark says he’s lucky. Lucky to have been diagnosed early, lucky to have an amazing family and lucky to have the all-in support of his fellow firefighters at North Metro Fire Rescue. Hockey has been a big part of Mark’s life for as long as he can remember and he says he will never forget the day the doctor cleared him to play after treatment. Mark would like to thank Dawg Nation for the unbelievable amount of support given every year to so many and for creating this amazing Survivor’s Game. Richard Forman Richard has been a youth hockey coach for over 25 years at Arvada Hockey Association. He is a survivor of Prostate cancer. Following external beam radiation therapy, visits to his acupuncturist, and redesigning his diet, he remains cancer free today. He says that he couldn’t have done it without the help of his wonderful wife. Since then, he has become a spokesperson for The Urology Center of Colorado(TUCC), has done a Television commercial and been in magazines. Motto/Advice: Battling cancer or adversity in life is by no means a death sentence. With a positive attitude and a good support system, anyone can beat it.

Andy Gerrie Diagnosed with colon cancer in April of 2007, Andy had surgery and six months of chemotherapy to fight it. Despite this he had a recurrence in his lung in December of 2010. He had surgery to remove the tumor and six more months of chemotherapy. His family and teammates are celebrating that he’s had no visible signs of recurrence since then, though still checking every six months. Motto/Advice: Happiness is a choice. We all get to make that choice every day, every hour, every minute.

Dennis Heaton Dennis played youth hockey in Arvada and then was lucky enough to coach his boys in Arvada 30 years later. While playing in an Adult league Dennis shattered his ankle and tibia. Six months after surgery an infection was discovered and the real battle had begun. The infection resulted in Dennis losing his ankle joint and over 4 inches of his tibia. He had to make the decision to either cut off his leg or go through a bone transport process to try and save the leg. It took 8 surgeries in which his remaining tibia was cut in two places and pulled down through his leg while new bone grew behind. Although painful he is happy to still have his leg. Dennis is proud to support Dawg Nation and their mission to help fellow hockey players. Never give Up!

Duane Helderlein Duane was diagnosed with a rare cancer, rhabdomy osarcoma, in December, 2010. Since obtaining clean margins from surgical removal, all follow-up tests to-date have been negative for recurrence. Two months after surgery, he was back playing the sport that he’s passionate about and hasn’t looked back. Motto/Advice: When life throws unexpected challenges your direction, believe in conquering those challenges and stay on course in what drives your passion in life. Never give up!

continued › Dan Hohenstein In addition to five surgeries for skin cancer, in 2011 Dan was hit and crushed by an SUV while standing beside his mail truck. The collision snapped his femur in half, shattered his lower leg, and crushed his knee, in addition to major internal injuries. Still, he says it was the luckiest day of his life in that he is grateful to have a second chance. Motto/Advice: Just remember that there is always somebody that is in a worse situation than you. Never give up! Whenever you have a chance to help somebody else less fortunate, make sure you help them.

Scott Jones Scott went through prostate cancer surgery in the summer of 2006 after being informed of his condition following a routine physical. Upon a full recovery he was able to return to all his normal activities which includes hockey which still plays every week. As a rusty veteran of Denver adult hockey for over 30 years he treasures the great friendships that have formed over all those years, not only as a player but a coach and hockey dad as well.

Steve Jouflas 19 years out from his initial treatment for Leukemia, Steve says it’s been an interesting experience, including a couple of reoccurrence scares. But he comes from a family of survivors, including his wife who has beat breast cancer and his father who also has been treated for Leukemia. The good news . . . they’re all beating it! Steve considers himself blessed from it all and aware of the gift that life truly is. Motto/advice: This quoted from Victor Frakl sums it up beautifully “Everything can be taken from a man or woman but one thing, the last of human freedoms, to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Chris Kearns Chris was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer a few weeks before his 32nd birthday and rushed into surgery. Dawg Bowl V was his first time back on the ice since surgery. In 2016 he completed chemo and has been cleared of cancer. Chris attributes his quick recovery to his family, doctors, and his commitment to never missing an opportunity to play hockey. A big thanks to Dawg Nation for reminding me why I love this sport, and for always paying it forward. Guy Kennedy Guy grew up in Michigan, playing youth and adult league hockey. He has played hockey with the Dawgs and other teams in the Denver area over the years. He has coached his 3 sons in youth hockey for the past 14 years. Guy was diagnosed with stage IV tonsillar cancer just before Christmas 2014. He underwent aggressive chemo/radiation treatment and continues to be cancer free. Guy and his family are very grateful for the generous financial assistance and support from DNHF. Without the support of my hockey family/friends and amazing wife, I am not sure how I would have managed to achieve “survival status”. The 2016 Survivor Game was Guy’s first time to suit up since his cancer diagnosis. Although I do believe that cancer changes people, I like to think I lived my life before cancer, the same way I do after cancer.

Erin Kirby I grew up on Arizona ice. I moved to CO in 2010 and continued to play competitive girls hockey. In a tournament I folded up on the boards. An MRI and a CT led to them miraculously finding a growth on my left ovary. I was diagnosed with ovarian at the age of 17. Parents decided to remove just the affected ovary. Nov 2015 I was diagnosed again with ovarian cancer. I had a total hysterectomy, but it had metastasized to my lymph nodes. After aggressive treatments I have recently been declared to be in remission! Couldn’t have done it without the love and support of hockey friends and family! Hockey makes the heart and soul happy.

Tim Kmetz Tim was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma in the RT Tibia in 1989 at age 14. He had reconstructive surgeries including Ilizarov Fixator through the age of 22. His first hernia at age 32, a flesh eating bacteria in two spots at age 35, three more hernias at age 37. Something like 35 surgeries or so (he’s lost count). Motto/Advice: Attitude is everything. Keep a positive attitude and nothing will stop you. Stay involved!

J.T. Kohl I was diagnosed with having bladder cancer in March 2014 and had surgery on April 7, 2014. I am still undergoing treatments. I have an incredible group of family and friends that have made this journey far more tolerable than it might otherwise be. I have always loved the game of hockey so, inspired by my Uncle Mike Sullivan (73 years young), an Old Dawg himself, I am privileged to be playing hockey with some of my fellow survivors at the Dawg Bowl VI Survivor’s Game. I appreciate this opportunity and all that Dawg Nation does and – God willing - I look forward to being a part of it for a long time to come.

continued › Ed Maj Ed has been playing hockey since he was 15, it’s one sport that a shorter person can actually be successful and take to the taller players...just kidding. In 2008 I was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer and after a successful surgery Ed has been cancer free. Playing in the Survivor game is an honor and a tribute to all that are fighting hard and looks forward to be with them on the ice as well as playing in Tourney for the Beer Guys wearing GREEN in honor of our friend Kim McLeod... Motto/Advice: I share my story on prostate cancer to all in hopes that they too will understand the importance of check ups and screenings in hopes that my experience might save others...what more can I ask for!

Alan Manning New Year’s Eve 2001 Alan was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. With a newborn and a wife he did whatever he had to do to get better for them. After rounds of chemo and radiation, we are happy to say that he is still cancer free. Unfortunately, in the wake of all this, his wife was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. She fought hard, but lost her battle in 2004. He continues with support any way he can, including volunteering for the 3 day walk and race for the cure. Motto/Advice: Life is short, don’t forget the little things in life. You never know who will be affected by you.

Jim Maroney In 2009 Jim was diagnosed with three forms of cancer... a softball size lymphoma next to his heart, some “anomalies” in his spinal fluid and some opportunistic basil cell skin cancers. In the hospital for three months plus going through two different chemo treatments at the same time left him weak and only a fraction of his normal weight. Beating the odds, he did survive and the treatment worked well. Motto/Advice: Hang in there and just try to make it through one day at a time. It is easy to be impatient with a recovery process. Obviously it helps to have a strong support system in place. Friends and family were critical to my recovery.

Rick Martin In late 2015 I discovered a small lump in my limp node in my neck. I “luckily” swiss that it should not be there and had it checked as soon as I could. I was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma in my right tonsil area and limp-node in the right neck area. I have been blessed to have a great medical crew to take care of me. I decided to have the areas operated on instead of radiation/chemo. I had a right radical tonsillectomy and right neck dissection. My ENT surgeon was able to eradicate all of the cancer so I did not have to undergo either radiation/chemo. Richard McAllister Richard played competitively in the Eastern Ontario (Canada) Junior B Hockey League. Since then, he has played adult recreational hockey in many Canadian and U.S. cities. Richard is a survivor of thyroid cancer, detected while he was in graduate school. One of Richard’s professors, Dr. Arnie Moses, directed clinical research center studies at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. Richard often volunteered as a guinea pig in those studies because they were paying gigs (and he was a starving graduate student!). During the physical exam prior to one of those studies, Dr. Moses detected a thyroid nodule. Richard had a thyroidectomy in July, 1987, and has been cancer-free for nearly 30 years. Inspirational quote: “Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind . . . To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.” Good words for all, not just cancer patients (and survivors).

Dustin McGuinness In February 2009, at the age of 15, Dustin sustained a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury while playing in a Midget playoff hockey game in Durango. He was transported by life-flight to St. Mary’s hospital with a subdural hematoma, midline shift and diffuse brain swelling. Dustin underwent an emergency craniotomy and spent the next four months slowing waking up from a deep coma. He re-learned how to swallow, walk, talk, read... in essence, everything. Now, in true survivor form, Dustin continues to recover. With the gift of a service dog from DNHF, Dustin is working to achieve his goals of independent living and becoming an elementary art teacher.

Bill Miller Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July, 2014 and elected to have a radical prostatectomy the following September. His diagnosis was somewhat unusual in that his PSA levels had never risen outside the “normal” range, but they had been steadily increasing. All of his post-surgery PSA tests have come back zero. After years of being a supporter of Dawg Nation causes Bill found himself going from being a spectator to a participant in the Survivor game which is special to him as his wife is also a cancer survivor. Bill is currently a board member of Dawg Nation. Motto/Advice: If I have a message to share about my experience it is to encourage everyone to keep up with physicals and annual tests, and pay attention to any changes no matter how small they may seem.

continued › Christina Montoya Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27, and from treatments developed skin cancer. During her cancer treatments, she discovered she had stage 4 endometriosis as well as precancerous and cancerous cervical cells. During 2013 she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and in the spring of 2014, she was diagnosed with liver tumors and had to have two surgeries, getting her total to 15. 2016 brought two additional surgeries, increasing her total to 17. In March of 2017 she was diagnosed with liver tumors for the second time in three years, as well as a metabolic syndrome that is effecting her ability to break down and use fats correctly, causing fat infiltration of her liver. Motto/Advice: Don’t ever think you are defeated or have become less of who you are because of something that’s happened to you. Take your experiences as lessons and see what you were learning during both your struggles and times of joy. Remember to do things in your life that come from your heart, for you will be overwhelmed with what comes back to you. And always be kinder than necessary to others . . . for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Danny Packard After graduating from CSU, Danny was diagnosed with advance stage thyroid cancer. Four surgeries and multiple rounds of radiation did little to diminish his drive to be back in the game through, as he continued to show up as often as possible to cheer on his teammates, or on good days, play a bit on his line. He’s quick to say that he’s had amazing support all the way and that along with his wife and family, Dawg Nation has played a huge role in his recovery. Almost five years later now, and his cancer markers are the lowest over! Motto/Advice: It’s all about the people you surround yourself with. There’s no better people that those you’ll find in Dawg Nation!

Evan Palan In 2016 I Evan was diagnosed with MS and advanced degenerative disc disease. Currently Evan is receiving monthly infusions to slow down the MS and is seeing 8 doctors/ specialists, though his health continues to decline. Ignoring the advice of his wife to quit hockey, Evan continues to ref and play, but at a lesser capacity. Thirty years of playing and 12 years of refereeing make it hard to walk away and Evan never calls in sick to ref, even though he is in terrible pain 75% of the time. His physical therapist and neurologist credit hockey for Evan not being in worse shape. He notices his balance and weakness, but is still in a normal range because of his passion for hockey. As an old friend told Evan, “hockey is life.” It’s now a literal statement for him. Evan is looking forward to having the opportunity to play in the Survivor Game with his friends and fellow survivors Jim Maroney, Dan Hohenstein, and Dave Topping. Dan Pedersen Dan was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in 2003. He had one surgery to remove the tumor, followed by a second surgery to remove the lymph system in his leg, and has been cancer-free ever since. During treatment, Dan realized that life is too short to wait on your dreams. He bought a beat up old boat and sailed the waters of Mexico for a year with his girlfriend, and they were married during their travels. Dan has two young sons, and he hopes to teach them the importance of following your dreams now, because you never know what might be on the horizon.

Torin Perret Torin is a student at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He has been playing hockey since he was four. In December of 2015 it was discovered that Torin had a brain tumor on the top of his brainstem in his midbrain. It turned out to be an inoperable grade three Anaplastic Astrocytoma. He was forced to take time off from school but is back now finishing up his degree in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources.

Andrew “Cookie” Pfankuch Andrew was excited as he began his freshman year of college, but his goals were interrupted when diagnosed with Leukemia. His normally active lifestyle, which included snow-boarding, camping, fishing, working on cars and of course, hockey, was brought to a halt with the reality of his diagnosis on Christmas Day. After a long road and many rounds of chemo, as of 4/1/12 he is no longer undergoing treatments and is enjoying being back on the ice. Motto/Advice: Stay strong and fight.

Johnny Plover I enlisted in the US Army in 2003, where I served 2 deployments in Iraq. During my second deployment I received two Purple Hearts. I retired from the Army in 2012. I currently live in Littleton with my wife Emily and our two children, Hunter and Violet.

continued › Skip Scarlett Skip has been an official for youth and adult hockey in the Denver metro area for over thirty years. In October of 2013, Skip underwent triple by-pass heart surgery after several months of “just not feeling right”. Thanks to the skilled surgeons and terrific staff at Presbyterian St. Luke’s, a loving wife (Rhonda) and prayers and support, Skip was back on his feet in no time. Incredibly, Skip was back on the ice two months later and hasn’t looked back since! Motto/Advice: Don’t take your health for granted, work at maintaining good healthy habits for yourself. Set the example for your loved ones. Give back to those who have given to you and once again, set the example.

Sid Souleret I was diagnosed with melanoma on my back which then progressed to my lymph nodes. I went on an aggressive bio- chemotherapy treatment – every day for a week followed by three weeks recoup time for the next six months. This was in addition to surgery to remove the lymph nodes in my right arm. With the help and support of my wife Katie and my two daughters, I’m getting better every day. It has been five years since my last treat- ment. I’ve had CT scans every three months since and the last one was clean.

Brad Strosahl At age 44, during a routine annual physical, my PSA (prostate- specific antigen) count was elevated over the previous year. Tests found that I had stage 4 aggressive prostate cancer. My doctor told me that even though someone my age usually doesn’t get prostate cancer, and it was an aggressive cancer, it was not a death sentence and he felt that since we caught it fairly early, I would have a high chance of full recovery. During this time I certainly had some level of fear, but with the doctor’s confidence, prayer and faith in God, I felt that I was going to come through this cancer free. After a monthly check-up for a year, and then quarterly for the next year, I am happy to say that over five years later I am officially cancer free. I share this story to encourage everyone, particularly men, to make sure you have regularly scheduled physicals to hopefully catch any issues early on.

Dave Topping In February of 2014, I was being treated for vertigo and inner ear problems and an MRI found a tumor on the right side of my brain. My whole world changed. My friends, family, clients, and fellow officials were all that knew. They all had my back and gave me support. Before I knew it the tumor was out and I was recovering from surgery. I have always said “hockey cures everything”. I was hoping that included brain tumors. It’s been a couple of years now and no bad MRIs. Life is Good. The most generous and helpful thing that has ever happened to me occurred when the Dawg Nation and my officiating organization CHIRA, game me a check at the 2014 Dawg Bowl. It was a life preserver when I was drowning. Love and good health to everybody.

Opie Wassberg Opie has played goalie since 1973 at multiple levels, LHA, Arapahoe High School, Total Travel Junior, Men’s Adult Check League, Organized Invitational Drop Ins, and CEO and Edge Over 40 League (since inception). His youngest son was getting married in 2009 and he noticed this large bean-shaped lump on his calf. “You should get that checked Dad!” Our primary physician thought it was a sebaceous cyst, she took a biopsy of it, and that is when our journey really began. In order to have surgery to remove the leiomyosarcoma, other tests were needed. The doctors found an irregular heart beat, trigeminy, coronary artery blocked, requiring a stent, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. This was all followed up with double knee replacement, due to arthritis, with the finale of the flu, type 1 ketoacidosis without coma, pleural effusion, and necrotizing pneumonia. Opie says when you are really sick, you find out how good your support system is! He truly thanks his wife, Lori, Dawg Nation, EDOHL, and the rest of his Hockey family for all their support to make it to the “new normal” and allow him to continue to play the game he loves!

Dori Webb At 36, Dori learned she carried the BRCA gene mutation which is linked to an extremely high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. At 37, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following surgery, she quickly got back to all the sports she loved and even added some new ones like kayaking and surfing. She is now a survivor for over 6 years. Motto/Advice: A fortune cookie summed it up best for me. . . “When life gives you waves, learn to surf.” (so I did!)

Phil Zietlow Phil is a seven year survivor of Lymphoma. He plays hockey 2-3 times per week in MN, as well as several tournaments around the country, usually in the 60-70+ bracket. He has three kids playing hockey, including two right here in Colorado. Motto/Advice: Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, so make the most of it!

Thank you to all 2017 Survivor Game participants! 2017 SURVIVOR GAME SPONSOR

ALBUQUERQUE GRAND JUNCTION THORNTON 303.252.9777 888.295.0733 EthosFinancialPartners.com DAVE REPSHER – THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR

DAVE AND AMANDA WITH TURQ

The 2017 Dawg Bowl Survivor Game is being played in recognition of Dave and Amanda Repsher, who Dawg Nation has been proud to support during Dave’s remarkable journey of recovery and survival. The Merriam-Webster dictionary offers the following definition of survive: 1: to remain alive or existent 2: OUTLIVE, OUTLAST— survival n—survivor n. They need to add one more annotation: see Dave Repsher. On July 3rd 2015, Dave and Amanda’s life changed forever. A flight nurse, Dave was involved in the Flight for Life helicopter crash that rocked the Summit County community. The massive fireball that erupted severely burned Dave over 90% of his body. Tragically, the crash claimed the life of beloved pilot Patrick Mahany. Initially given only a remote chance to survive, Dave was transported to the burn unit at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, where he would remain sedated for 5 ½ months during his fight to survive. Amanda, Dave’s incredible and devoted wife, would remain at Dave’s side every step of the way.

continued › DAVE REPSHER – THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR, CONTINUED

MARTY WITH DAVE, AMANDA, AND DAVE’S MOM MARILYN DAVE AND GEORGE

During their lengthy stay, friends of the Repsher’s looked after their home, assisted in covering necessary expenses and even took care of their beloved dog, Turq. There were countless people stepping up, but one friend in particular stood out above the rest, George Altz. Dave’s very close friend, neighbor and hockey teammate made sure things were taken care of on the home front and at the hospital. Incredibly, George made the 170 mile roundtrip over 200 times in the first year alone! Added Amanda, “we simply could not of done it without George.” We should all hope to have such a devoted friend as George. On August 2, 2016, Dave was released from the hospital after 397 days. It was a day Dave and Amanda had been hoping for but not always sure would ever come. Slowly, Dave and Amanda are easing back into public life as Dave continues his amazing journey back to health. Please join us for the 2017 Survivor Game to be held on Saturday June 24th and help us in honoring this incredible couple. There won’t be a dry eye in the place when Super Dave drops the ceremonial first puck for the start of the game. On the front of the survivor jerseys will be “D-REP” (Dave’s nickname); the back will simply say “SURVIVOR”. The Survivors will be skating with Dave in mind and heart and knowing that one day soon Dave can take his rightful place on the ice with them. After all, he is the Ultimate Survivor! ■ RYLIE GUENTENSBERGER

On April 29th Rylie Guentensberger was critically injured; on May 26, it was announced that “she passed away”. I wept. Many wept. In preparation for this tribute I went back and read every post followed by 5,761 people on Facebook and it became clear to me – I could not disagree more with the statement that Rylie “passed away”. She is with all of us that follow her story. Her thoughts and her words are heard every day. The tragic event that she experienced has brought out words such as “gratitude, support, love, honor, humbled, generosity, amazing, grateful, touched, gift, fabulous, wonderful, lucky, community and blessed”.

June 24th, 2017 is Rylie’s Celebration of Life. As we all move forward upon receiving the gift of Rylie, acknowledge this shall not be a one day event. This shall be an everyday event. Thank you, Rylie, for sharing yourself with all of us. May we all embrace life as you have.

Todd Gehrke President, Dawg Nation 2017 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Please join us at this year’s Dawg Bowl in honoring the 2017 National Champion Colorado Sled Hockey Association Avalanche team. The team returned triumphant as “Three-Peat” champions from the 2017 Disabled Hockey Festival held in San Jose, California where they competed among sled hockey teams from across the nation. Teams from Colorado Sled Hockey will hold a special exhibition game at 2:30 pm on Saturday June 24th on the East rink immediately after the Survivor Game. Members of the Top Dawgs hockey team will also participate in full sled hockey gear to experience a whole new hockey skill set and learn from the pros! Colorado is now home to 3 members of the gold medal winning US Olympic sled hockey team including Colorado natives Nikko Landeros and Tyler Carron. Sled hockey is a bourgeoning sport in the state so come see what sled hockey is all about and cheer on these amazing players! A CHAT WITH WATSON

In 2016 Bretlyn and Charlie Schmidtmann lost their Nederland home to a wildfire, ironically while they were both themselves fighting the fire in the area. They also lost their Saint Bernard, Geno. In October of 2016 Dawg Nation presented Bretlyn a Saint Bernard puppy, Watson, to fill the hole in their hearts after the loss of Geno. We had a chance recently to catch up with Watson...

DNHF: Hi Watson-good to see you! WATSON: Wassup Dawg? DNHF: All good things. We wanted to see how you’re doing. You’re getting to be a Big Dawg! WATSON: Yep. I’m now 10 months old and up to 97 pounds. Growing into my good looks!

DNHF: Yes you are. How’s the new house coming along? WATSON: Slow but getting there. The foundation walls are poured and we hope to be in by Christmas. It’ll be nice. DNHF: I know Bretlyn has plans for you as a future therapy and comfort dog. Have you been working on that yet? WATSON: Yes. No formal training yet but I’ve been getting out and socializing a lot which is fun. I love new places, people, and other animals. I’ve met horses, miniature donkeys, llamas, chickens, goats, and ducks so far. I also love being around kids, especially when I get a belly rub.

DNHF: Any media gigs? WATSON: I did get to hang out at a television show production office for a day. I also made the cover of the Mountain Ear newspaper after meeting their main reporter at Frozen Dead Guy Days up here in Nederland. DNHF: You are truly a star, Watson! All of us at Dawg Nation will be honored to have you as one of our ambassadors. It was a pleasure catching up with you and we’re glad to hear you are doing well. And we hope to see you at the Dawg Bowl if you can make it. WATSON: The pleasure is all mine, Dawg. If Bretlyn and I can make it down to the Dawg Bowl we’ll let you know, but regardless we hope to see everyone soon. MAINLINE WEST TOP DAWGS

Darryl Bootland - “Booter” - FORWARD Born: Toronto, Canada. Curently a fan favorite with the ECHL champion Colorado Eagles. Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche but did not sign with the team. Played for the Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders in the NHL. In ‘09, Booter signed with the Kalamazoo Wings by his brother, Nick, who was the Wings head coach.

J.P. Chabot - “Chaby” - FORWARD Born: St. Patrice, Quebec, Canada. Played two seasons for the Denver Cutthroats and was a rough and tumble fan favorite, scoring 30 goals over two seasons. Led the Riviere-du-Loup 3L squad of the LNAH title in 2016.

Brett Clark - “Clarkie” - DEFENSEMAN Born: Wapella, Saskatchewan, Canada. Fourteen year NHL career with five different teams. 689 games, 45 goals, 141 assists. Played for the Avs from 2003-2010. Currently a consultant in the Avalanche Player Development Department.

Luke Fulghum - “Fulgy” - FORWARD Born: Colorado Springs, Colorado. Stellar 4 year career at University of Denver earning 2 NCAA championships with teammate Kevin Ulanski. Second player in school history to join Denver Cutthroats (CHL), following defenseman Aaron MacKenzie. 1 season with Denver Eagles (ECL). Bobby House - “Houser” - FORWARD Born: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Moved to Whitehore, Yukon Territories, Canada at age four. At 17, was a 3rd round selection of the Chicago Blackhawks. Was the first player ever drafted in he Yukon Territories and first from that province to play professional hockey. Long minor league career included close to 800 games. Finished his career in Germany’s top pro league.

Michael Maciolek - “Mack Truck” - FORWARD Born: Boulder, Colorado. Mike is standout forward in the SDOHL (Southwest Denver Oldtimers Hockey League). He tallied an impressive five goals in the 2016-17 campaign, but more importantly led the team in post game Fireball shots with an impressive 2.8 shots per post game.

Aaron MacKenzie - “Red” - DEFENSEMAN - (CAPTAIN) Born: Terrance Bay, Ontario, Canada. University of Denver. Captained the Pios for two years. All-WCHA first team in 2003-04. NHL debut in a 4-1 victory over Vancouver in 2009. Was the first player signed by the Denver Cutthroats and captianed the team in their only two seasons.

Randy Murphy - “Murph” - FORWARD Born: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Randy had a long minor league career spanning eleven years and eight teams. He scored a career high 50 goals for the New Mexico Scorpions in the 1999-2000 campaign.

Kyle Ostrow - “Wizard of Oz” - FORWARD Born: Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Kyle is currently a forward with the ECHL champion Colorado Eagles. He was a standout forward at the Univerity of Denver and in addition to his on-ice accomplishments was named to the WCHA All Academic team in each of his last 3 seasons.

continued › MAINLINE WEST TOP DAWGS, CONT.

Peter Sejna - “Saint Pete” - FORWARD

Born: Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia. Peter was a standout forward at Colorado College where in 2003 he was the WCHA Player of the Year and NCAA Hobey Baker award winner. He also won bronze for Slovakia in the 1999 World Junior Championship and the 2003 World Championship. He played parts of 4 seasons in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues and played 8 years in Switzerland.

Paul Stastny - “Stats” - FORWARD

Born: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Paul was a standout at DU and with the Colorado Avalanche. Winning an NCAA title at DU and nominated for the Calder Trophy in his first year with the Avs. Stats is currently playing for St. Louis Blues but still calls Colorado his home.

Kevin Ulanski - “Uly” - FORWARD

Born: Madison, Wisconsin. Teamed with Luke Fulghum and Gabe Gauthier to win back-to-back NCAA Championships during four standout seasons at DU. Degree in finance and marketing. 2009-10 scoring leader and league MVP. 5th on Eagles all-time scoring list.

Sean Zimmerman - “Zimmie” - DEFENSEMAN

Born: Denver, Colorado. Currently the captain the the ECHL champion Colorado Eagles! Played for the Denver Cutthroats in their two seasons in the CHL. Drafted by the New Jersey Devils and helped Team USA win a bronze medla at the 2007 World Junior Hockey Championships. TEL: 720-608-0013 FAX: 303-675-3411

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BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF INTEGRITY IN MEMORIAM

Dave Russen Dave Russen passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2017. Dave grew up in North Bellmore, New York on Long Island, so he was an Islanders fan at heart. His love for the Islanders continued with him when he moved to Colorado. His only daughter, McKenna Russen, was lucky enough to spend the last night of her dad’s life with him doing their favorite thing together: watching a DU hockey game. Dave and McKenna were DU hockey season ticket holders for 5 years. Dave started McKenna’s love for hockey at a very young age, as he was always playing for an adult league. She loved going to all of his games to cheer him on. One of her favorite memories of her dad was going over to his house, ordering a huge pizza, and sitting down to watch the NHL Playoffs. Dave was the greatest friend, co-worker, teammate, son, and father. He had a way of making everyone he met laugh instantly with his amazing sense of humor. He was the strongest person emotionally, and physically. The friendships he made were life-long, and the memories will forever be missed. I love you, and I miss you more than anything, dad. Love, Your Rudy DAWG NATION GIVING BACK

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