The Moose Jaw Warriors are pleased to announce that during the month of October they`re teaming up with “Stick It To Cancer”.  “Stick It To Cancer” was an initiative started last year by Warriors Assistant Coach Mike Vandenberghe, and in partnership with the Warriors was able to raise over $16,000 through a number of events.

“Breast Cancer research and awareness is very important to me, three of my five sisters have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  As a brother there’s not much you can do but I wanted to help in some way,” said Assistant Coach Mike Vandenberghe.  “Last year was amazing by raising over $16,000, this year we’re happy to be partnering with the Warriors and looking to raise even more money to purchase equipment for breast cancer patients at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.”

Throughout the month of October Warrior players, coaches, and management will wear special “Stick It To Cancer” hats during interviews in support of the Breast Cancer Awareness month.  October 28^th, which is the team’s final home game of the month, has been declared “Stick It To Cancer Night.

“This is a great initiative started last year by Mike and his group for a great cause, we are very pleased to be part of it,” said Warriors General Manager Alan Millar.  “We look forward to great support for this year’s “Stick It To Cancer” campaign throughout October and reaching our goal of $20,000 plus for equipment to help breast cancer patients at the Union Hospital.”

On sale that evening will be limited edition “Stick It To Cancer” Morgan Rielly shirts, the Warriors will unveil their “Stick It To Cancer Cookbook”, plus the players will use pink themed sticks which will then be auctioned off.  The goal this year is to raise $20,000; funds will be donated to the Moose Jaw Union Hospital to help in the purchase of equipment for breast cancer patients.

“Proceeds from “Stick It To Cancer” helped the Moose Jaw Health Foundation purchase a medical pump that allow patients to receive their medication in their own home without having to stay in the Moose Jaw Union Hospital,” said Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.

“Through the support of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital’s Home Care Program, patients can rest and recover from their cancer treatments and surgery in their home.  This was only made possible with the support of the Moose Jaw Warriors and their fan’s support of “Stick It To Cancer”,” McElree added.  “The foundation cannot possibly put into words what it means to have the support of the Warriors and their fans.  Thank you on behalf of all the medical professionals and cancer patients receiving treatment in the comfort of their home – thank you.”

Not only is Rielly being pictured on shirts, but he will be acting as the champion of “Stick It To Cancer”.  “To be able to help is a big honour,” said Rielly.  “When Mike approached me about getting involved I jumped at the opportunity.  My mom is involved in clinical trials and cancer research, and personally I’ve been touched by cancer through the loss of my grandfather.  Helping “Stick It To Cancer” is very important and special to me.”

The “Stick It To Cancer” Rielly shirts will be sold for $10; they are available through pre-sale at www.redgoatsports.com or the night of the 28^th.  The “Warriors Stick It To Cancer Cookbook” will be available that night and then throughout the course of the regular season.  The book features the player’s favourite recipes from their mom’s, as well as several of their favorite pre-game meals from their billet mom’s. 

“It’s extremely important for fans to come out on the 28^th and support this great cause,” said Rielly.  “In some way cancer has touched all of us, and this is a great way to support those who have been affected by this horrible disease.  Through the sale of the shirts, the cookbooks, and the auction of the sticks, this is a way for us to help those in their fight against cancer.”