For most of his life, Nick Meckenstock has found joy, friendship, and purpose at the rink.
Nick laced up his skates for the first time at just four years old and has been playing hockey ever since. Over the years, he has become a familiar face in Colorado’s hockey community and a respected teammate known for his positive attitude, steady leadership, and willingness to help anyone who needs it. He’s the kind of person every locker room hopes to have: dependable, encouraging, humble, and always ready with a smile or a joke.
For more than 15 years, Nick has shared the ice with countless teammates and friends, including many within the Dawg Nation community. This summer, he was part of a Digital Beachhead-sponsored team that competed in the Dawg Bowl, enjoying another weekend of hockey, competition, and camaraderie.
Just weeks later, everything changed.
A Family All Too Familiar with Cancer
Cancer has cast a long shadow over both Nick and his wife Lauren’s lives.
Nick’s father battled prostate cancer. His mother battled breast cancer and remains in remission today. In 2011, Nick lost his fiancée, Ashley, to colon cancer. Lauren lost her father to pancreatic cancer just months after his diagnosis. Most recently, Nick’s father passed away after a battle with lung cancer in 2023.
After years of supporting loved ones through diagnoses, treatments, and heartbreaking losses, Nick and Lauren were hopeful that cancer was finally behind them.
Instead, in June of 2026, they received devastating news.
This Time, It Was Nick
What began as some abdominal discomfort led to a medical evaluation that revealed something far more serious than anyone expected: a mass on Nick’s pancreas.
After additional testing, Nick was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET), a rare form of pancreatic cancer.
The diagnosis brought immediate concern, uncertainty, and fear, especially given the family’s history with the disease. In September 2026, Nick underwent a major and complex operation known as a Whipple procedure, one of the most significant surgeries performed for pancreatic cancer patients.
Despite the challenges, Nick approached every appointment, test, and surgery with the same attitude that has always defined him: optimism, determination, and a refusal to let adversity steal his spirit.
While his recovery has thankfully exceeded many expectations, the journey is far from over.
The Fight After Surgery
Like many cancer patients, Nick’s battle did not end when the surgery was completed.
Since his diagnosis, he has been unable to work. With only limited paid time off available through his employer, Nick and Lauren suddenly went from a two-income household to relying entirely on Lauren’s income.
At the same time, Lauren has taken on the role of primary caregiver while continuing to work and manage the household.
The emotional burden has been significant.
The financial burden has been growing.
And the uncertainty surrounding future treatments, recovery timelines, and medical expenses remains very real.
Nick’s goal is simple:
Get healthy and get back on the ice.
If all goes well, he is hopeful to return to hockey in early 2027. Until then, the road ahead includes continued recovery, medical appointments, and rebuilding their financial footing after an incredibly difficult year.
How You Can Help
Nick has spent a lifetime being the kind of teammate who shows up for others.
Now it’s our turn to show up for him.
Dawg Nation is raising funds to help support Nick and Lauren as they navigate the financial challenges associated with cancer treatment, recovery, lost wages, medical expenses, and the uncertainty that comes with a diagnosis no family ever wants to hear.
Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the burden and allow Nick and Lauren to focus on what matters most: healing, recovery, and getting Nick back to the game he loves.
For years, Nick has been a valued member of the hockey community.
Let’s show him what that community is capable of when one of our own needs help.
Play Hard. Play Fair. Give Back. 🏒❤️
