The sport of hockey provides an opportunity for it’s participants to learn invaluable skills such as teamwork, leadership, perseverance and community. It is in that last skill where hockey can become more than sport.

U9 Warren Park and Vaughan Black will be hosting a charity exhibition game on October 3rd in support of Let’s Cure Lucas.

Lucas Azevedo is a four year old boy with an extremely rare genetic condition. He has been experiencing motor delays since he was one and by 18 months of age, Lucas still could not stand or walk independently. Lucas can crawl, but walking, holding small or heavier items and standing for long period of time take enormous effort. Only one other child in the world is known to have this condition, to which, there is currently no cure.

Parents, Sophia and Victor, are looking to change that.

As of January 9th, Sophia and Victor launched a GoFundMe campaign in hopes to raise $1.7 million to go toward clinical trials for gene therapy. As of today, the campaign has raised over $1 million from over 2,500 donations.

U9 Warren Park Coach, Michael Giancola, and Manager, Maddalena Ruggiero, participated in a charity car show for Lucas. After meeting  Victor at the event, it turned out Michael went to high school with him and Maddalena, a tattoo artist, tattooed some of his relatives. Lucas loved the classic cars that they brought to the event and they would continue to see each other at future car shows.

It was then that Michael and Maddalena wanted to get more involved and raise money for Lucas. Their idea, a charity hockey game. Thanks to a friendly relationship with the Vaughn Rangers Black team, as well as mutual friends, the charity event was born.

“I think an event like this helps families and the hockey community to hold value in the moments, on and off the ice, that are often taken for granted. It teaches the kids … to be grateful for their ability to play hockey – a reality that Lucas may never get to experience,” said Maddalena.

If you would like to help support Lucas and the event, please see the game details below.

When: Saturday, October 3

Where: Westwood Arena – Rink 1

Time: 4:30 PM

Tickets: $20 per person

All proceeds will support Let’s Cure Lucas.

It is incredible how the hockey community can come together to do good. We commend Warren Park, Vaughan and the organizers for taking the initiative to bring this event together and showcase how hockey can be more than just a sport.