SJHL Movember competition ramps up as final week of fundraising approaches

2: Yorkton Terriers – $2,725

3: Weyburn Red Wings – $2,125

4: Melville Millionaires – $1,580

5: Melfort Mustangs – $1,305

6: Humboldt Broncos – $1,275

7: Estevan Bruins – $1,260

8: La Ronge Ice Wolves – $959

9: Warman Wolverines – $850

10: Kindersley Klippers – $605

11: Battlefords North Stars – $300

12: Flin Flon Bombers – $150

13: Nipawin Hawks – $75

Kelley Lueck, who operates the graphics on the SJHL weekly show, oversees the league’s participation in the fundraiser. He is also a member of Movember Saskatchewan. Lueck said the friendly competition around the league has helped bring in more donations, and start a conversation about what Movember is all about.

“Having the competition and everything is just another way of people rallying and getting those conversations out. Raising funds is a big part of Movember, but just having those conversations is just as important, if not more important,” said Lueck. “Having people talk about struggles or going through certain things like chemotherapy or some mental health issues.”

Lueck said the familiarity between players competing on the ice actually helps bring people together for the charity.

“The battle and the competition is there, but at the end, you stand in line, and you shake hands. Charity and hockey unites us in a way. I find that having the league challenge being put together by Movember definitely helps us have those conversations and raise more money for a good cause.”

The public is encouraged to donate to the cause through their favourite SJHL team. (Submitted)

While supporting men’s health in various ways, Movember has ‘three pillars’ as Lueck described: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

Lueck said that a large inspiration for him starting the SJHL Movember campaign was former Flin Flon Bomber, Matt Egan who had to miss time due to suffering from testicular cancer.

“He was kind enough last year [to join] our weekly show and talk about the support and the process and everything that he had to go through. It’s just a reminder that it can happen here; it’s not somewhere else. It happened in our league, and it’s just another reminder that if things don’t feel right, get checked. Have those conversations and we’re all here for each other.”

Egan is now in his second year playing hockey at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota.

On Nov. 19, the potato chip company Pringles joined the initiative, adding $25 to every $50 donation made leaguewide that day.

Lueck encourages as many people as possible to donate and try to beat last year’s total.

“Let’s have some fun with these last couple of weeks, let’s see how far we can take this.”

Lueck received national recognition for his work with the fundraiser. He was nominated for the ‘Showing How It’s Done’ Mo Award as a ‘top community champion advocating for men’s health.’

Lueck received national recognition from Movember Canada for his fundraising efforts. (Submitted photo/Kelley Lueck)

Those who want to donate can visit the SJHL Movember page and donate on behalf of their favourite SJHL team.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

SJHL Movember competition ramps up as final week of fundraising approaches

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