Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Pontiacs to Honour Matt Cook

Press Release

The Bonnyville Pontiacs are pleased to announce plans to celebrate 'Matt Cook Night' December 15th, when the Drayton Valley Thunder visits the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre's RJ Lalonde Arena.

Matt joined the Pontiacs for the 2005-2006 season, coming in as a robust 18-year-old rookie. In January 2006, Matt was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of cancer found most often in young people. After receiving a lower leg amputation, Cook turned his attention to sledge hockey where he became the youngest player named to the national sledge hockey team. While with Team Canada during the 2008-2009 season, Cook won gold at the World Championships, gold at the Four Nations Cup, and gold at the Hockey Canada Cup.

After a courageous fight, Matthew Cook passed away April 4th, 2010 in Edmonton.

Details continue to be added as family, friends, teammates, and dignitaries confirm attendance to be part of the celebration.

Matt's #23 jersey hasn't been worn by a Pontiacs player since he left and will now formally be retired, as he becomes the second alumni in franchise history to be awarded this distinction.

All donations and proceeds raised by way of silent auction will be forwarded to the Matt Cook Charitable Foundation which aims to raise awareness and funding to support the fight against rare cancers.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

No comments: