CAMBRIA COUNTY—March 19, 2016, was the ninth year for the Brad Wess Memorial Hockey game. Each year the game is put on by the Forest Hills Hockey Boosters. Win or lose it’s not about winning for these hockey players. It is about keeping Brad’s memory alive.
“This game always brings back a lot of memories of Brad,” said Mike McCall. “Watching these seniors play is bittersweet but on the other hand it is very rewarding seeing these teens play and have a great time. It makes all of the hours spent planning it, worth it.”
A few years ago, the group teamed up with the Johnstown Tomahawks to have their game take place before or after a Tomahawks game. Each ticket sells for $10 and is divided up $5 goes to the Brad Wess Memorial Scholarship Fund and the other $5 goes to the Tomahawks.
“I really think with Johnstown being a hockey town there is so much potential to pack the stands and make this event huge, and one day I believe it will be. I can’t imagine what the feeling would be like to see all the seats filled. This year the Tomahawks helped us out greatly and we owe them a lot,” said McCall.
“For the past two seasons, the Johnstown Tomahawks foundations have been proud to partner with the Brad Wess Memorial Scholarship Fund to help raise money and create awareness,” said Jean Desrochers,
Director of Business Operations for the Tomahawks. “The spirit of Brad lives on through the game he so passionately loved and together as a hockey community we come together to honor and remember him. With the help of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, we look forward to providing resources and donations for the Scholarship Fund to reach their goal of helping deserving seniors.”
Seniors from 12 area schools participate and then are divided into two teams, green and gold.
“The interaction between the players is incredible,” said McCall. “It is very obvious that they are really enjoying themselves. I think to myself, just a week ago during the playoffs some of these kids were battling each other tooth and nail and now they are laughing with one another. It’s very rewarding.”
McCall said he would like to see the game and scholarship for area seniors continue to grow, not only keeping Brad’s memory alive but also his love for the game.
To donate to the Brad Wess Scholarship, click on hockey.
