MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Hockey teams in Marquette are lacing up and facing off in the annual “Stick it to Cancer” hockey tournament this weekend to help raise money for Cancer Care of Marquette County, a local non-profit.
According to players and volunteers, the tournament has a big impact on cancer care in Marquette County, raising around $12000 each year.
“The entry fees raise money, there’s money that’s put into a pot for shots after the game for fun,” said Tony, one of the players. “But all that money goes back to them.”
For many of the players and volunteers, the cause they’re supporting is deeply personal.
Bridgit Jennings, one of the volunteers, said both of her parents have dealt with or are dealing with cancer, and supporting the cause means a lot to her.
“Cancer in itself is so overwhelming for a patient who is going through all of it and places like this who step in to help people relieve some of that burden on them,” said Jennings. “So they can just focus on getting well.”
It’s not just the players who care. Jennings said the support they receive from the community is overwhelming.
“Cancer is something that kind of effects everybody in some sense,” said Jennings. “If it’s not their grandparent, their parent, somebody that they know, down the line everybody gets touched by it in some form.”
For those interested in attending any of the games throughout this weekend, more information and game schedules can be found on the Stick it to Cancer website.
