Ryan Tattle scored three points in the Coquitlam Express' 2021–22 BCHL season opener on Oct. 8 in Surrey.
Since then, the Port Moody hockey product is averaging more than a point per game in his ongoing motivation to raise $50,000 for cancer research during his final year with the local junior 'A' franchise.
As of Sunday (Feb. 6), a total of $45,296 is in the pot for Tattle's Score for Cancer initiative — culminating from the 34 points tallied in 32 games he's played with the Express this year, including 11 goals and 23 assists.
And with 20 tilts left in the season, the finish line is certainly within reach for Coquitlam's captain.
"It's been overwhelming. I expected it to do well, but I'm extremely overwhelmed by the support I've got from family and friends, even guys across the league," said Tattle in an earlier interview with BCHL Podcast.
"It's been heartwarming and I'm extremely proud and I'm excited."
"Ryan's determination to be a better player and better person is outstanding," adds Express general manager Tali Campbell in a statement to the Tri-City News.
"As a young GM in this league, it's my hope and goal that all the younger players look at Ryan and say, 'I want to be like him. I want to strive to always get better on the ice and better off the ice.'"
Tattle explains he started the campaign because he wanted to do something in his last year with Coquitlam.
The 20-year-old forward's mother has had a brush with the disease, as well as former teammate Greg Lapointe in his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The NCAA-committed athlete to the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in the fall believes no one should have to live in fear as the Canadian Cancer Society says one in two people is diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
"Each point I score this year, my family has opted $100 toward cancer research," Tattle explains, noting donations by his family are also being matched by the Express.
"People have pledged anywhere from 50 cents per point; another person is pledging $10 per point. Basically, each point I score is however much you choose to give. [...] There are plenty of ways to help."
Tattle's 34 points are the best among his Express teammates — in the top 35 among BCHL skaters — and has notched 12 in his last seven games.
If you wish to make a contribution to the campaign, you can visit Tattle's Score for Cancer website.
On Monday (Feb. 7), the Express tweeted that an announcement involving Tattle and the Canadian Cancer Society is coming "later this week."
Meanwhile, Coquitlam is playing tonight (Feb. 8) at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex for its first and only meeting against the Wenatchee Wild this year.
Puck-drop goes for 7:30 p.m.
- with a file from Mario Bartel, Tri-City News
