DAWGS Hit the Road
What a weekend in Waterbury, Connecticut as Post University rolled out the red carpet. Each year the kind hearted Eagle skaters host a charity game benefitting an organization that is important to them. This year that organization was us! It was a powerful couple of days highlighted by the collective love and support shown to Eagle defenseman Michael Karas. Michael and his twin sister (Marina) have unfairly lost both of their parents to cancer, and this weekend was an important opportunity to show them that they are not alone. A giant hats off to Post’s Jack Engdahl who led the organizing committee creating many special and memorable moments along the way. Thank you Post University!!!
DAWGS are the Recipients
Shortly after the DAWG Bowl where Michael and Marina were presented with a check from DAWG Nation before the Survivor Game where their mother was supposed to play, the DAWGS knew that attending a Post game was a must. As an organization that prides itself on walking alongside its recipients after the check presentation, the DAWGS saw a great opportunity to rally around Michael and involve Marina. The story thickened when Post sophomore and teammate Jack Engdahl reached out to DAWG Nation to inform us that we would be the recipient of their annual benefit game. Jack and his teammates wanted to use this powerful game to rally around their teammate and the Karas family. The DAWGS found themselves in an unusual spot… as the recipients themselves.
A Clean Sweep
The DAWGS had the honor of attending the warm up before Friday’s game and surprising Michael with their presence, although Michael says he suspected as much from “Cappy.” As we broke down the team huddle with “One Family,” we knew that a special bond was growing even stronger with Post University and DAWG Nation. Jack Engdahl and his planning crew had attended to every detail, making sure our helmet stickers were on every player’s helmet and our logo was proudly displayed on the Post jersey. As Jack said, “Having DAWG Nation here really helped juice up the players knowing we were playing for something special.” Their game time performance matched their enthusiasm as they swept Stonehill, wining both Friday and Saturday games.
A Special Locker Room Visit
The locker room visit was certainly sweeter with back to back victories, but the real victory is the quality of young men in that locker room. Their jerseys say a lot about how these young men play the game for each other and live their lives: HOPE, LOVE, FAITH, STRENGTH, COURAGE. As we reminded them in the locker room, putting each other first and giving back to the game through their benefit game, that is something that lasts and creates a family bond that no one can ever take away from them. The DAWGS left inspired by this group and felt privileged to be part of the Post hockey family.
