DAWG Bowl XI Recap

Published

DAWG Bowl XI is in the books!

DAWG Bowl XI is a wrap, and it truly was a culmination of support that shined through the tough moments from the past year. This year’s DAWG Bowl had loss and tears that were graced with the support of the hockey community.

We thankfully were able to support four amazing recipients but more importantly showed the hockey community is a family and is here for each other! DAWG Nation was beyond thankful to bring people together and put on a full-blown DAWG Bowl.

DAWG Bowl XI Generous Contributors:

This would not be possible without the incredible contributors, supporters, and volunteers who helped this all happen… starting with the 2021 tournament sponsor of Martinson Services! And Ben Witter led another team of Allstate volunteers this year who were a huge help.

We also would like to thank Shaw Hockey Productions, ROX Heating and Air, VELUX, Skylight Specialists, Mainline West, Two Bridges, MotoSpa, Catamount Construction, DREP (Dave and Amanda Repsher), Mallards, Yes Todd, Loan Rangers, Frankl Law, Lifetime Windows & Siding, and Groove Auto. This could not have been done without you all and many others!

Video and Stills:

Shaw Hockey Productions:

Suzanne and Michael Shaw stepped up again this year with streaming a game for every team this year. From beer leaguers to NHL players. Shaw Hockey Productions provided professional and high-quality productions with a full play-by-play and color commentators too. Find these games on these games on YouTube if you missed any of the action.

Watch the games.

Kelli Packard

Thanks go out to Kelli for the hours and hours she has put in to make 100’s of wonderful images available for your enjoyment!

DBXI Images

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:

DAWG Bowl XI Sled Hockey Division:

This year was the first time the DAWG Bowl had a full sled division and crowned a champion. Colorado Sled Hockey, Warrior Avs, Buffalo Sled Vets, and the Vegas Golden Knights competed for the first annual championship in this division.

It came down to an excellent championship game between the Colorado Sled Hockey and the Vegas Golden Knights where Colorado Sled hockey won 5-4 and were the first sled hockey division champions!

GIVING BACK

This was a very emotional weekend for DAWG Nation and the hockey community, as we were planning to present Heather Karas and her family a check. Sadly, Heather passed on the opening day of the tournament joining her beloved Jeff Karas who was a DAWG Nation recipient. Eight years ago he passed nearly on the same day as Heather. After Heather’s passing, her two children, Michael and Marina, courageously took on the weekend and skated with team JK Strong throughout the tournament. Before the Survivor Game DAWG Nation presented Michael and Marina a check for $61,000 to support them and their continued journeys!

We also presented Tammy Meier a check for $55,000 to help her against her fight against cancer. Tammy is a hockey mom who graced the community with her passion and constant support.

We were also grateful to present checks to Tyler Frank and his three children along with Jon Rausch giving out a total of $126,000 this DAWG Bowl.

Special thanks to our captains for rallying their teams for the annual pass the hat challenge for our DAWG Bowl recipients. Your generosity and leadership is inspiring to us all!

Memories of DAWG Bowl XI:

The Survivor Game was back and in full force!

This year everyone, including the scorekeepers, announcers, referees, and of course the players, are all survivors of life-threatening diseases, illnesses, or injuries.

The stands were packed as we honored a group of incredible and powerful human beings as they displayed their incredible strength in front of many.

A DAWG Bowl First!

This year brought a first to a DAWG Bowl, Cas and AJ were married at center ice after the Survivor Game. This meant a lot to DAWG Nation. This showed us how meaningful this work can be and we were honored with the ability to host such an event in these two lovely people’s life! A special shout out to Michael Sullivan who officiated the first DAWG Bowl wedding.

Cass AJ wedding DBXI-7247
Cass AJ wedding DBXI-7356

Special Thanks:

The national anthem is near and dear to DAWG Nation’s heart. We were blessed to have Jake Schroeder, who performs the national anthem for the Colorado Avalanche, share his amazing talent with us.

We welcomed back the powerful Luke Jones, who rocked the Edge with a couple National Anthems and performed at the wedding.

To our referees who volunteer their time to help put this tournament on. This is such a vital role that could not be replaced and is always appreciated. Thank you so much!

To our volunteers from registration, to auction, beer tent, scorekeeping, announcers, merchandise, set-up/breakdown and everyone else who gives their time.

We could not come anywhere close to putting on such a big event if it wasn’t for the fantastic people giving their time and hard work to GIVE BACK!

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