Cancer survivors give players an extra push

EDMONTON – On day three of what is hoped to be the World’s Longest Hockey Game, fatigue was starting to roll in for the 40 players who are trying to raise $1 million dollars for the Cross Cancer Institute. But on Sunday, their energy levels received a big boost thanks to an inspirational visit from two young cancer survivors.

"It changed everything around for us," said one of the players, Kevin Morris, who was getting treatment for frostbite at the time of the visit.

Morris is one of the 38 men who, along with one woman, has been at the mercy of the elements since the puck dropped at Saiker’s Acres on Friday. Some of the players said the warmer temperatures this past weekend made it feel like they were skating on snow – something which has been not only hard on their bodies but potentially dangerous.

However, the challenges faced by the players pale in comparison to what their visitors have had to overcome.

Brendan O’Callaghan battled leukemia when he was just two years old, and is now cancer free after receiving treatment at the Cross Cancer Institute.

"Raising money for the Cross Cancer Institute, I think that’s really helpful," said Brendan O’Callaghan, who dropped by the game on Sunday to show his support.

His mother, Carolyn O’Callaghan, got a chance to witness the impact her son’s presence had on the players on Sunday. "He walked through all the dressing rooms and upstairs and I guess he was an inspiration to the players and gave them a little boost to keep going."

Brendan also paid a visit to the event when it was held three years ago, but this time he brought a fellow cancer-survivor, Tyler Gauchier, who also wanted to show his gratitude.

"It’s extraordinary," said Gauchier. "It really makes me happy to see what they do."

Seeing Gauchier and O’Callaghan is what’s keeping some of the players going. "It’s about kids like that and families like that – that’s what I’m here for, that’s for sure," said Morris. "They can throw a plague of locusts at us and we’re going to play right through it right now. And just seeing (them) makes me want to get back out there even sooner."

The ten-day game goes until February 21st and can be watched live on our website.

With files from Ryan Ellis