KAYLA WELSH
Special to The Leader
#6 Adam Hawkin honored his late grandfather Harry Ragsdale on the back of his jersey. Ragsdale was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer with a less than 5% survival rate, but he did not let his diagnosis define him. Ragsdale was known as “the life of the party” and as someone who would “give you the shirt off his back.” He never missed one of his grandkids’ games. Ragsdale lived life with a motto: “Wake up everyday and do your best, take responsibility (for the good and the bad), work hard, be honest, treat people well and love your family.”
#21 Nick Newman wore a jersey to honor team captain Craig McCabe’s grandfather Frederick Mertz. Mertz passed away of pancreatic cancer in 1995. McCabe, #4 on the ice, grew up in a hockey family and his grandfather loved the sport of hockey.
Goalie #31 Logan Dyck wore a jersey to honor his 82-year-old grandfather Al Kostyniuk who is battling cancer. Kostyniuk loves “cheering on any team that Logan plays for.”
#4 Craig McCabe wore a jersey to honor Maureen Blackburn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2011. Blackburn participated in Pink the Rink in February of 2020, before the pandemic. Blackburn is inspired by the resiliency of student athletes like McCabe “who worked so hard .. while there were so many restrictions during COVID, as she personally fought through health issues as a young adult.” Blackburn is now cancer free and views “everyday [as] a gift.”
#29 Joe Sontoro wore a jersey to honor Val Jerzak. Jerzak was a WWII veteran who took pride in his family and job. Jerzak passed away in 1994, just six days after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.Jerzak’s legacy continues to be carried on today in spirit: “Always remember to take pride in everything you do and remember the importance of family … always.”
#12 Ethan Pitzman wore a jersey to honor Peggy Dye, a 12-year breast cancer survivor from 2015.
Dedicated biographies of honored tributes and loved ones are sourced from 2023 Pink the Rink informational programs. All photos by KAYLA WELSH | Special to The Leader.