DAWG Bowl X Recap

DAWG Bowl X is in the books and the 2020 event exceeded even our wildest expectations! Despite the challenges of running a tournament during a pandemic, we witnessed GIVING BACK at a record level as over $250,000 was raised over the course of our inspiring five day tournament! At the same time we created memories that will truly last a lifetime and helped changed lives through the incredible generosity of so many!

The 2020 DAWG Bowl was our most challenging and our most frustrating, but also the DAWG Bowl we are most proud of. The outpouring of support from so many was inspiring and humbling as we defied all the odds by setting records across the board!

DN CEO Martin Richardson

None of this would be possible without an incredible list of contributors, who partnered with us to underwrite costs and make the tournament truly special for all…starting with the 2020 Tournament Sponsor, Martinson Services! Ben Witter led an incredible group of Allstate employees as this year’s Helping Hands Sponsor.

Also stepping up were Catamount Construction, Rox Heating and Air, Motospa, Skylight Specialists, Groove Auto, Mallard’s Hockey, Lifetime Windows, Saunders Construction, Budweiser, Mainline West, Moe’s BBQ, US Foods, Monster Energy, and ton of other big hearted companies and individuals!

The tournament kicked off in spectacular fashion as the inspirational Luke Jones sent chills through the Edge Ice Arena with his stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

DAWG Bowl X Live!

DB X Videos by Shaw DB X Photos by Kelli

Due to COVID-19 we were unable to have spectators witnessing this year’s action. That’s when Shaw Hockey Productions came to the rescue! Michael and Suzanne Shaw wowed us all with a very professional set up that included multiple camera angles, slow motion replays, live play by play, pre and postgame interviews and much, much more.

This truly took DAWG Bowl X to an entirely new level. Look for the Shaw’s to be an integral part of DAWG Nation in the future, bringing a whole new level of professionalism to our events and opening up games to a much wider audience than we ever dreamt possible… for which DNHF is eternally grateful.

DAWG Bowl X also included three powerful sled hockey exhibition games. A youth game, a B-level game and top level included some of the world’s top players including gold medalist Ralph DeQuebec!

It was an absolute pleasure to see these spectacular athletes in action, their dedication to this sport, and who inspire us by refusing to let anything stand in their way.

Once again the DAWG Bowl was littered with emotional and powerful side stories, spotlighting hockey’s heart, which makes this event so very special. DAWG Bowl X saw the extraordinary Devin Kelly, daughter of Jack Kelly, honoring the 10th anniversary of her father’s passing, and cheering on the team JK21 who hit the ice in #21’s memory.

Then there was the remarkable Heather Karas, whose fighting spirit was bright both on and off the ice as she took her team to a championship win, and will no doubt do likewise as she battles pancreatic cancer (she is indeed, like her team, JK Strong!) Our thoughts and prayers are with her all the way!

Justin Chalfant’s incredible day!!

Justin Chalfant’s incredible day included playing on a team of former NHL’ers, an assist on a goal scored by Milan Hejduk, plus a game winning goal… topped off by a signed jersey from all of his teammates. Pretty sure he’s still smiling!

COVID didn’t stop us!

While COVID has created some difficult aspects to this year’s tourney, DNHF always looks for the silver lining… and what a silver lining we had. Due to travel challenges we were able to include the legendary Milan Hejduk on our Mainline West Top DAWGs roster, incidentally his first ever DAWG Bowl! It was an absolute honor and privilege to have him, along with all the other remarkable players on the team, don a DAWGs jersey.

Memories not to forget!

And there were many, many more memorable moments. In addition, this year’s “pass the hat” contest meant a little more since it was the tenth anniversary of the passing of our beloved #21. All of the teams responded with an incredible outpouring of generosity, with funds going directly to the 2020 recipients.

Our terrific referees!

And finally, but by no means last, we want to thank our terrific referees… all of whom donate their time and talent to make the tournament run smoothly and fairly. They are some of the unsung heroes of DAWG Nation.

Our valuable volunteers!

A special shout out to all our volunteers, from registration to scorekeeping, money counters to auction handlers, and so many more! And to everyone who came and played in the tournament… your generosity makes it possible for us to do what we do!