The Neepawa Tigers high school hockey team has had a history of giving back to the community since 1998.
In 2019, Troy Brister and Mike Adams took over the team. They had an idea of starting a game to support funds for the Cancer Ward in Neepawa. They went to the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation and they loved the idea. They helped the Tigers purchase their pink jerseys, and a parent group was formed.
In four of the six years that the Tigers have hosted a Cancer Care game, they've played Minnedosa.
"First of all, it's pretty remarkable to see the support from the community. To have between 400 and 500 people show up to the game is incredible," said Brister. "In past years, we've had people who have won the Progressive 50/50, and they donate some of their winnings back."
The Tigers are coming off a successful season. They won 23 regular-season games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Not only have they made a great impact on the ice, but off the ice as well.
Brister says this is always a game that the players circle on their calendar.
"Right from day one, the minute the guys put the pink jerseys on, they have been proud to put them on," continued Brister. "And then to know where the money is going and every cent they've raised has stayed in Neepawa, that's a pretty big deal for them."
The numbers are now in, and wow, what an incredible job the team has done. Recently, the team's grade 12 players went to the hospital to donate the money raised through the game. Presentations were made to the Neepawa Chemo Ward and Victoria's Quilts of Canada Neepawa branch.
In the past six years, the Tigers have donated $20,300 to cancer services in the town of Neepawa.
"Very proud. It's sometimes hard to put into words," ended Brister. "To see every cent stay here in Neepawa and go to an extremely important cause, very special for us. Our team is very proud."
Brister confirms their seventh annual Cancer Game will take place next season.
