At the 2026 3v3 Clash Tournament, the Dawg Nation community came together to support Anze Nelimark, and what followed became one of the most meaningful moments in our organization’s history.
Earlier this year, Anze experienced the unimaginable loss of his entire immediate family in a tragic murder-suicide. Despite the heartbreak and uncertainty that followed, Anze continued to move forward with the same positive attitude, character, and determination that have earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and friends throughout the hockey community.
To honor Anze and rally the community around him, Dawg Nation created the first-ever U20 Division at the 3v3 Clash Tournament. Players and teams from across Colorado showed up in a big way, helping turn the day into something truly special.
At the conclusion of the event, Anze was presented with a check for $27,000. Later, when reflecting on the experience, Anze shared that the Clash was “the best day I’ve had since then.”
But the story didn’t end there.
Just one week later, at the 2026 Tee It Up for Dawg Nation Golf Tournament, the community once again came together in an incredible way. Without Anze knowing, golfers, sponsors, donors, and supporters spent the entire day raising money on his behalf.
That evening, Dawg Nation surprised Anze with a second check, this one for $50,000.
The surprises continued.
Because Anze was named after NHL legend Anze Kopitar, whose name was chosen by his father long before Anze was born, Dawg Nation shared his story with the longtime Los Angeles Kings captain. Moved by what he heard, Kopitar recorded a personal video message directly to Anze, offering encouragement, support, and reminding him to keep moving forward.
Watch the message here:
As emotional as that moment was, one final surprise remained.
University of Denver defenseman and Dawg Nation intern Alec Whipple stepped forward and presented Anze with the jersey he wore during Denver’s 2026 National Championship season. It was a powerful gesture from one hockey player to another and a reminder that the hockey community will always be there for him.
Together, the 3v3 Clash and Tee It Up for Dawg Nation events raised $77,000 for Anze’s future.
More importantly, they showed him something money can never buy:
That he has an entire community standing beside him.
Anze has spent his life supporting teammates, friends, and family. Now the hockey community has come together to support him.
This is what Dawg Nation is all about.
Play Hard. Play Fair. Give Back. 🏒❤️
