RMU hockey ready to “Krush” cancer
For the past two years, the RMU men’s hockey team has been working overtime to try and “Krush” cancer. They’ve made it their mission to help out former captain Chris Kushneriuk in his battle against testicular cancer.
Now, Kushneriuk is well and back at it again on the ice with the ECHL Florida Everblades, so the team sought after someone new to help out.
Mike Tolliver, a moon resident whose wife has a connection with head coach Derek Schooley’s wife, was just that man.
This weekend’s series against Atlantic Hockey opponent Air Force will be the Colonials’ cancer awareness weekend and raise money for Tolliver, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is currently undergoing treatments.
“Everyone deserves the same help and opportunity to get better no matter where you’re from or who you are,” said junior forward David Friedmann. “I think that it’s great to give back and help out whoever needs the help.”
“Anything around cancer we always want to look at the same way, doesn’t matter if we know him or we don’t know him,” said senior forward Jeff Jones.
Chris Kushneriuk remains passionate about RMU’s efforts.
Although over 1,000 miles away, Kushneriuk has still managed to have a hand in the weekend.
“Chris [Kushneriuk] inspired to start this and now that it’s continued. He is helping us do this week from afar in Florida,” said Schooley. “He’s got people to man the tables, he’s spreading awareness, spreading it through Twitter that the weekend is going.”
Fans have a plethora of options when it comes to donating and supporting the Colonials’ cause.
On both days, there will be a jersey auction, with T-shirts and wristbands on sale. On Friday, the team will sign autographs in exchange for a $2 or more donation. After Saturday’s game, there will be a Skate with the Colonials and another opportunity for photos and autographs.
Both games are slated for 7:05 at the 84 Lumber Arena. Attire is something new, something blue, and something borrowed. But mainly something blue, as it is the color associated with prostate cancer.
“It’s definitely nice to give back to someone who really needs our help and Movember is huge, especially with our hockey team,” said Friedmann. “It’s nice to give back to the community and people in need who are going through tough times.”
