A special game for a special cause
The Pembina Central Flyers U15 AA hockey team is hitting the ice tonight for more than just a game; they’re coming together to support teammate Zander Bourgeois’s sister, 18-year-old Peyton Bourgeois, who is battling ovarian and bone cancer. The team is hosting a special charity game at 7:30 p.m. at the Carman Arena to raise funds to help Peyton during her difficult journey with the disease.
Exciting events and prizes
The game will feature a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and an exciting intermission shootout where attendees can purchase tickets for a chance to participate. The shootout offers a shot at various prizes, including a Nintendo Switch and tickets to Winnipeg Jets games on November 9 and January 4.
Players share why the game matters
Levi Hill (#10) and Drew Apperley (#7), who play forward and defense respectively, shared why the game holds so much meaning. "It's important because the more people that show up, the better," Apperley said, emphasizing how much the funds will help Peyton. "She can't do her schooling and can't get a job, so this money will go to help her later on."
A mother’s perspective on Peyton’s battle
Drew’s mother, Kim Apperley, explained the gravity of Peyton’s fight. Diagnosed with germ-cell ovarian cancer earlier this year, and the cancer has since metastasized to her bones, requiring intensive treatments. Apperley added, "She's the first woman in our province to receive this kind of treatment... it's more common for males with prostate cancer. Thankfully, she will be able to attend the game tonight before returning for more hospital treatments."
Community support and how to help
The Flyers have been hard at work gathering donations and auction items and organizing the event. In addition to 50/50 raffle tickets and silent auction baskets, fans can win a $200 gift card to the Carman Arena’s canteen, a prize Hill and Apperley joked about spending entirely on candy and slushies.
For those who can’t attend the game but still wish to contribute, donations can be made through an e-transfer following instructions on the Pembina Central Flyers’ Instagram page, @pembinacentralflyers.u15aa.
You may also contribute at Peyton's GoFundMe page.
The Pembina Central Flyers and the community are ready to rally behind Peyton Bourgeois tonight, with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. in Carman. "Go Flyers, go!"