Game for The Cure Raises in Excess of $30,000

September 15, 2009

The Game for The Cure exceeded all expectations by raising in excess of $30,000 in support of the BC Cancer Foundation. The Game featured Team Canada versus the UBC Tournament All stars.  The Game, played in spectacular weather at UBC’s Wright field, featured an emotional head shaving of two players, Samantha Smith and Tyla Flexman at the conclusion of the game.

“We felt if we would go ahead and do this, it would raise the stakes and add fire to the fundraising efforts” said an emotional Flexman immediately following her haircut in front of an estimated two hundred family and firends.

With a goal of $20,000 the team raised 150% of their goal. The game featured Team Canada in pink uniforms and all players wearing a pink ribbon of hope for a friend or family member battling cancer.

“I am proud of the team and what they have accomplished in a short period of time and I think this game shows their maturity and leadership in the community “said head Coach Louis Mendonca. “ The tournament itself also gave us a chance to play a lot of young players in pressure situations and practice some new tactics. “

In an upset the Tournament All stars powered by five ex National Team Members and five National squad members  defeated the National Team by a score of 2-1. Sensational second half goaltending by National Squad member Bea Francisco turned away nine corners . Down 2-0 at the half Team Canada battled back and applied consistent pressure but could not find an equalizer.

Team Canada now prepares for the FIH World Cup Qualifier in early 2010 and the Commonweath Games in New Delhi, India.