Goals and Dreams in memory of
Rick Rypien a major success
The Rypien family accepts a memorial plaque and photo books from the NHLPA honouring Rick’s NHL career and contribution to the game of hockey.
LINDSAY GOSS
Pass Herald Reporter
In an intense and fiery hockey game that took place in Coleman on Thursday night, local hockey players, in addition to four NHL hockey players fought for the cup in a game that left fans biting their nails.
Team Blue, which featured Vancouver Canucks player Kevin Bieksa, took the cup, winning the game that resulted in a 10-9 score, making victory over team Red.
The hockey game was called the Goals and Dreams Hockey Cup, a game that is in commemoration of Rick Rypien, who took his life nearly a year ago to this date.
“He was a great fighter,” said Bieksa, who says that he was a good friend of Rypien’s, and even lived with him for a year and a half.
“I am excited and proud to be here. We are just trying to carry on his legacy. He loved hockey, and that is what we are here tonight to do.”
Bieksa and Rypien played hockey together for around eight years.
“Tonight is phenomenal. So much hard work has gone into making the game happen,” Bieksa said.
The night saw close to 900 audience members, and people of all ages.
The NHPLA Goals and Dreams fund chooses a new Canadian city/town or community each year to hold the Goals and Dreams cup, and this year, Coleman was chosen. Goals and Dreams provide up to 50 children with hockey gear from head-to-toe, as well as organizing a face-to-face encounter with NHLPA mentors. A golf tournament and a banquet were also organized for the memorial event.
Special recognition should be mentioned to Tracey Linderman, Sammy Marra, Kevin Petovello, Chad Petrone, Joanne Drain, Rory Snider and Wes Rypien, brother of Rick, for the time, energy and hard work they put forth to make this a reality in the Crowsnest Pass.
