ICE’s Czerwonka and Assistants to Shoot for the Star

Submitted by EKFH on 28-10-2011

CRANBROOK, BC… The Kootenay ICE’s tradition of giving back to the community and specifically in this case to health care and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health is a story that is at least a decade long.

Not only is it the financial contributions made by the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club and its General Manager Jeff Chynoweth; it’s the gift by many of the players to take an active part in the fundraising efforts of the regional hospital foundation.

It seems just like yesterday when Ryan Russell, Dale Mahovsky, Brett Sutter and Josh Fauth could be seen carrying brightly decorated Christmas Trees from their decorating sites to the halls of the Prestige in readiness for the former Festival of Trees Gala,

And guys like Dustin Sylvester, Brayden McNabb and Ian Barteaux visiting the regional hospital and adult care homes to share the holiday spirit and deliver stuffed bears alongside the A&W mascot.

Or you may have a memory of picking up a delicious chocolate chip cookie and coffee accompanied by a huge smile from players like James Martin, Eric Frere and Kevin King who took part in many of the annual Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaigns.

From jerseys from Jarret Stoll to wheelchairs from Ty Stephens and Brendan Hurley to the unforgettable moments of Matt Fraser and the Shoot for the Star campaign it is the commitment by some of the players that is the true story.

And in 2011 the legacy of giving back continues as current Captain Drew Czerwonka (#19) assisted by Max Reinhart (#23) and Jesse Ismond (#18) carry on the “Fraz” tradition to encourage support to raise $5,000 for EKFH’s annual Starlite Campaign for Excellence in Health Care. The donations the trio bring forward will go towards the purchase of a digital stereotactic mammography unit for the regional hospital.

“I think the star idea that Matt and Donna worked on was pretty awesome especially when you know it is going to buy something great for the hospital. Me, Max and Izzy just felt that it was something we wanted to see continued so we’re hoping that people will see that we do care about Cranbrook and help us light a star this year,” explains Czerwonka.

The Starlite Campaign runs from November 24 to January 31, 2012. If you wish to see Drew, Max and Jesse light a star for the mammography project please make a donation at www.ekfh.ca, by mail to EKFH, 13 24th Ave N, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H9 or at the Kootenay ICE Office.