Athletes at any level truly understand how blessed they are to be able to play the sport they love.
They also understand that it can be taken away from you at any moment, one of many hard lessons to learn in the bigger game of life.
It’s when you can combine the two for the greater good to be a blessing to others that’s truly the greatest gift of all.
Last Friday night, a huge crowd gathered at the Manitowoc County Ice Center to show support for a player’s family battling cancer.
Claudia Klein, mother to Manitowoc United Hockey player David Klein, is battling non-smoker’s lung cancer.
Players from United, along with visiting teams Shawano and Fond Du Lac, raised over $4,000 that was given to Klein’s prior to Saturday night’s home game with Neenah.
Appearing on WOMT Sports Talk on Monday night, United Head Coach Jeff Gadinski says he’s overwhelmed by all the community support shown for Claudia and her family.
“It’s always special when you can have the team and community come together for a cause that everybody can get behind to support one of our guys,” he said. “It just brings out the best of everybody. I know that it was a special night for David to see the community out like they did to support him and his family.“
Senior forward Benson Dickrell scored a goal Friday night.
He admits it’s a great feeling to put a puck in the net, but admits there’s nothing better than being able to band together to help those in need.
“It wasn’t just about the hockey game on Friday night,” he said. “It was about the community coming together to rally around David and the Klein family, raising $4,000 to help them in the future. As we band together around this United team to see what we can do for this community and our teammates, it’s truly a special feeling.”
David Klein had an assist Friday night, adding to the ambience of the evening.
The team thanks all who came out to show their support and help their hockey community bloom bright for Claudia.
