Supporting National Diabetes Month and catching a great NA3HL East Division game in the process is what the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks have on tap this weekend.
The Jr. Lumberjacks host the Three Rivers Vengeance at the
Cleveland Heights Community Center on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2:45 p.m. with
all proceeds from the game going to the American Diabetes Association.
With November being designated as National Diabetes month, the Jr.
Lumberjacks organization is inviting area youth hockey organizations to
the game to see Junior A hockey up close and to also help raise money
for diabetes research.
“It means a lot to me to give back to people with disabilities or
who are not as fortunate as some of us,” said Cleveland defenseman Pat
Smith. “Giving back has always been a part of my life since I was
younger. The game is just as important as any other game, but it’s
special in the meaning that we are playing for a cause and it helps out
people with diabetes.
“It's exciting for the fans and us players knowing that these
people cheering for us are there to support us and they are there
because they know they have our support.”
Back in August, a Jr. Jacks’ youth player was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, so this cause really hits close to home.
“One thing I always stress to our players is that we get involved
in the community here,” said Jr. Lumberjacks’ head coach and general
manager Bob Jacobson. “This organization has been here a lot of years
and Cleveland and the surrounding areas have supported us through the
lean years and in the successful years. This is just one way that we can
start to give back to the community that has given us so much over so
many years.”
All youth players who wear their program’s jersey to the game will be admitted free of charge.
The Jr. Jacks are also asking all who attend to wear blue to recognize and show support for all who have diabetes.
“It's always great to be a part of something that helps give back
to people that need it,” Cleveland captain Fred West said. “Diabetes is a
very serious disease that affects a lot of people and I'm really
excited to play in this game that will help the cause.”
Cleveland defenseman Andrew Sprouse is also anticipating this weekend.
“It's very important that we, as athletes, give back to charities
and organizations that further help the research of curing diseases such
as diabetes,” Sprouse said. “We are blessed to be able to do what we do
and able to play the sport that we love to play, so anytime we can give
back is very important and an honor to do.
“As for the games this weekend, they are very big games seeing that
they are division games. We are coming off of a very good weekend of
winning both games and we need to keep that momentum and come out strong
again this weekend. Consistency is our biggest focus right now and once
we succeed in that, I feel we will be a force to reckon with.”
(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)
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