MANKATO — Playing a sport you love is one thing. But playing it for a purpose, well, that’s sweeter than apple pie.
Just ask Mankato West girl’s hockey.
Its game Monday against New Ulm served as the team’s annual Cancer Awareness night. Per usual, a player dedicates their game in honor of someone battling cancer.
For some it may be a parent. To some it’s a grandparent. And to others, it’s making sure no one battles cancer alone.
“A huge part about building the brand of any hockey team, or any team period, is getting out and doing things for the community that you’re passionate about,” Scarlets head coach Jeff Zimmerman said. “Cancer awareness is just one of those things that is a big part of our community. It affects a lot of people. It makes me proud that they’re building the brand, that they’re doing that type of thing.”
The team accepted donations toward cancer research at the game. At the time of publication their gofundme page has raised $705.29 toward its goal of $1,000.
“Our captains are very passionate about it,” Zimmerman said. “We have a lot of people that have been affected by it. I think everyone has in some way or another down the line.”
As for the game itself, well, the Scarlets didn’t win or lose. They ultimately tied the Eagles 4-4.
West did erase a 2-1 deficit and had a 4-2 lead while successfully killing a two-minute 5 on 3. But the Scarlets ran out of gas after the successful kill as the Eagles scored two in the third to force overtime.
“We ran two lines out of most of the game, and the girls worked so hard,” Zimmerman said. “I think we just kind of sputtered out at the end. But, getting out here with a tie is better than a loss.”
Penny Gorman had two goals. Maleah Giesen added two assists. Charlotte Kirschner and Maya Pinero each had a goal and an assist. Shelby Jones and Emily Kane each had an assist. Lucy Schaefer stopped 33 of 37 shots.
The Scarlets (9-10-2) host Red Wings at 7:15 p.m. Thursday.