Jr. Kings’ Bantams gets behind cancer fight
The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Bantam AA1 team scored big in the fight against cancer recently, raising over $1,500 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Los Angeles.
As part of a “Pucks for Bucks” fundraiser, each family on the club pledged a specific dollar amount per goal scored – ranging from $1 to $20 – for two games played in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Jr. Kings lit the lamp an impressive 11 times during the two contests to help lift them over the $1,500 total.
“I don’t think we thought they’d score so many goals, but in the end it really helped our fundraiser,” said Melonee Patterson, mother of Bantam AA1 forward Aidan Patterson (Aidan Patterson spearheaded the effort). “Overall, it was very successful and the boys enjoyed it.”
The club also championed the cause by displaying personalized “Hockey Fights Cancer” signs in support of a friend or family member who’s been affected by the disease.
The other members of the Bantam AA1 team who participated included forwards Cayden Campbell, Max Eckstein, Chris Emery, Luc Manley, Harry Meisel, Matt Ramos, Julien Roa, Ian Sculteure, Grant Sikich and Jack Silver; defensemen Chase Calero, Kameron Chan, Jatan Desai, Gunnar Easterson, Nic Gonzalez and Gabe Shipper; and goaltenders Michael Bachofner and Ian Uyeda.
Susan G. Komen was nothing but thankful for the Jr. Kings’ efforts.
“They were very excited about the fundraiser and very impressed that a boys hockey team would take it on,” Melonee Patterson added. “We have such a selfless group of families and it was rewarding to be able to come together and help support such a worthy cause.”
– Brian McDonough
Photo/Scott Eckstein