When Ryan Tattle dedicated his final year of junior hockey to raising money for cancer research, he had no idea of the outpouring of support he was about to receive.
The former Coquitlam Express captain's legacy is now set to live on as the team is hosting a second annual Score For Cancer Night in hopes of collecting $10,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
If successful, the BCHL junior 'A' franchise's grand total would reach nearly $135,000 in under two years, adding to the $124,316.26 they've reeled in collectively since the 2021-22 season.
Tattle alone scored more than 84 per cent of the funds at $101,000.
And this weekend's fundraiser is set to have extra meaning as Tattle's mother, Joanne, lost her own cancer battle on Nov. 25.
"Score For Cancer as an initiative means a lot to me, but after the recent passing of my mom I'm now even more inclined to make a difference," he said in a team statement.
"Seeing firsthand how difficult the battle with cancer is, motivates me to make a difference."
The Canadian Cancer Society says one in two people are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
In Tattle's case, that's true as his campaign last season also honoured the Port Moody product's former teammate Greg Lapointe and his fight against Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
He asked local residents and fans for regular donations for each point he recorded in his senior year, finishing with 60 in 52 games, including 23 goals and 37 assists.
The Express raised $20,011.96 from its inaugural Score For Cancer Night on Feb. 26, which included proceeds from ticket sales, a 50/50 draw and the auction of specially made game-worn jerseys.
And those sweaters (seen in the above photo gallery) will be making another appearance in Coquitlam's tilt on Saturday (Dec. 17) when they take on the Surrey Eagles.
As well, the Express are set to display raffle items and a "bigger" 50/50 jackpot.
Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
For more information on Score For Cancer, you can visit its website.
