Jets sporting ‘staches for Movember

WINNIPEG – Sorry Selleck. Here in Winnipeg, it’s all about the Stuart.

“Mark Stuart’s is pretty solid,” said Winnipeg Jets forward Jim Slater.

Or even the Slater.

“They’re both pretty good,” said Stuart.

The two teammates are just a few of the Jets sporting a ‘stache for Movember.

“Adam Lowry is trying but I’m not sure that’s considered a mustache though,” said Slater. “Blake Wheeler had one. Not sure if he still does.”

“I think Slater might have dyed his,” said Stuart. “The jury is still out on that one.”

Movember though isn’t just about who has the best or worst “mo”. The strips of scruff have a special meaning to some men.

“They’re doing prostate cancer survivors a great service,” said Pat Feschuk.

The Winnipegger is among those who have beaten the disease. Feschuk was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago.

“It sort of hit me pretty hard,” said Feschuk. “I didn’t really take it all except I heard the word cancer. (The doctor) went on to say a number of other things which I don’t remember.”

The goal of Movember is to raise money through mustaches to support men’s health programs. In Manitoba, roughly $750,000 is expected to be collected this year alone. Organizers say it’s easier to spread their message with the help of high profile “Mo Bro’s” like the Jets.

“The amount of people that are exposed to what they’re sending out on Twitter, Facebook or on the internet is tremendous,” said Jamie Hopkins, co-chair of the Winnipeg Movember Committee. “That helps our awareness.”

And also starts the conversation. One out of eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

“Men have to know that once you hit forty, you should be checked,” said Feschuk”

Because the sooner you do, the better your chances of surviving.