The Brampton Beast went out with a bang in their last weekend of the season with two home games, their very first Stick It To Cancer Event, ice painting and so much more.
The Beast hosted their very first Stick It To Cancer event in support of Wellspring Chinguacousy, a cancer support centre located in the Brampton area. Wellspring Chinguacousy provides a variety of programs and support resources for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and their family members.
Participants of the event enjoyed a themed walk, a BBQ and a Beast game. All together they were able to raise over $4000 for the great cause, but the best was yet to come.
At the end of the second last game against the Missouri Mavericks, attendees were invited onto the ice to paint the name of someone in their lives that has been affected by cancer. The result was a beautiful mosaic of motivational messages for those fighting cancer and touching words for loved ones lost. It’s not often the Powerade Centre is rendered almost completely silent.
“Everybody has family or friends that have been affected by cancer so it was an amazing event to see all the fans come out and support and paint the ice,” says Jeff Brown, Brampton Beast defenceman.
For the last game of the season, Beast players stepped onto the ice skating in support of the beautiful words written and put on nothing short of an amazing performance. Their persistence and determination was evident throughout, and though they didn’t take home the win, Beast Fans left happy and already eager for next season.
The Beast ended their jam packed weekend with Jerseys Off Our Backs, a tradition that allows Beast fans the opportunity to take home the jersey of their favourite player, straight off their back. Needless to say, some very lucky fans left the Powerade Centre happy. Not a bad way to end the season, we’d say.
If there’s ever a doubt about whether hockey is alive and well in this community, one only need attend a Brampton Beast hockey game and see the utter enthusiasm and dedication from community members to find the answer.
Having spent the weekend with the Beast, we realize how lucky Brampton is to have its own ECHL team. Even if you’re not a die hard hockey fan, there’s much to appreciate regarding what having a hockey team does for our community. There’s something truly special in participating and supporting this typically Canadian pastime. The enthusiasm, the energy and the community spirit will undoubtedly penetrate you when attending a game, even if you don’t identify as a hockey lover.
