Ponich helping a friend

Press Release

Portland Winterhawks captain Brett Ponich is leading fundraising efforts to assist his lifelong friend and former hockey teammate Tanner Hubbs, who became paralyzed after an accident earlier this year, and Winterhawks fans can help the cause.

The Winterhawks will be holding a silent auction at their games this weekend to help raise funds to assist Hubbs and his family. Portland hosts the Tri-City Americans Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the Prince Albert Raiders Saturday at 7 p.m. Both games will be played at the Memorial Coliseum.

Fans will be able to bid on a dinner with Ponich and teammates Chris Francis and Luke Walker, and for the opportunity to have their car washed by Winterhawks rookies while Ponich supervises. There will also be a St. Louis Blues jersey signed by Ponich, autographed Winterhawks memorabilia and exclusive ticket packages.

Hubbs broke his C5 vertebrae in a swimming accident in May. The accident rendered him a quadriplegic, and Ponich is raising money to help Hubbs’ family with expenses associated with renovating their house to make it wheelchair accessible.

“Tanner’s been a close friend for a long time, and after his accident I knew right away I wanted to do something to help he and his family, who have done so much for me over the years,” said Ponich. “During my time in Portland I’ve seen the generosity of Winterhawks fans first-hand, and I know they’ll come through once again.”

Fans can also make donations by calling the Winterhawks’ office at 503-238-6366, extension 40, or in person at the Winterhawks’ office.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)