DUNNVILLE—The members of the Dunnville Mudcats U13LL #2 hockey squad donned special, custom pink jerseys over the March Break and last weekend in a team-wide effort to raise money for breast cancer research as part of the Marci Cook Memorial/Simcoe Arms Hockey Tournament.
Team trainer Shane VanEgmond said the team put in some serious effort, canvassing at a local tournament last week and setting up booths at Grand Erie Home Hardware and Sobeys throughout the week to raise as much as possible. Ultimately, the team was able to rally to an impressive $3,100, donated in a cheque presentation to the Breast Cancer Society on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Team parent representative Eleasha Topolniski said the effort was inspired by a similar fundraising initiative undertaken by the U11 Mudcats last year, noting that the players loved being involved.
“The way they get the teams involved and all decked out in pink for breast cancer, showing their support for a long-time volunteer and hockey mom (Marci Cook), it’s not just another hockey tournament,” said Topolniski. “It’s giving the kids life lessons that there is more to life than just hockey. It’s the life lessons we learn and teach these young kids along the way.”
She noted that community fundraising helps build “leadership skills, empathy, and compassion not only to their peers but others in the community that maybe going through difficult times. The kids were more than happy to show their support by dedicating time during their March break to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.”
Vanessa Taylor, one of the event organizers, took to social media to praise the team’s “above and beyond” effort, adding, “The dedication and showmanship are amazing!”
