Kim McLeod, a longtime hockey player, coach and die hard North Dakota fan had a surprise visit between periods while attending Friday nights DU-ND game. Some background first.
Kim has been fighting a very aggressive form of cancer for the last year. He has overcome numerous obstacles and surgery during this time. Many people have been supporting him. Because of his love for his North Dakota hockey team, over 30 friends and family flew in to be with Kim at this game. Dawg Nation, having heard of Kim’s battle just the week of the game stepped up to make the night even more special for Kim. With the help of DU and especially Coach Gwozdecky, the staff from North Dakota was made aware of Kim and his situation. North Dakota Coach Dave Hakstol told Kim’s story to the team on the plane as they passed around a ND hat to sign.
After the entire team signed the hat it was given to the Assistant AD Steve Brekke. Steve met up with Dawg nation representatives’ President Martin Richardson and Dennis Heaton after the first period. It gets better as the head AD from North Dakota Brian Faison joined them to present Kim his hat. Kim is known as the green beer guy at these games because he carries green food coloring with him to turn unsuspecting DU fans beers a North Dakota green. Kim did not disappoint and while carrying a green beer was approached by Marty who told him some guys from North Dakota wanted to see him. Kim recognized Brian and Steve and was totally in shock when they presented him with his signed hat. His eyes misted up as he kept repeating “I can’t believe it”. After some discussion Kim went back to his seat to cheer on his team. He was seen during the next intermission proudly showing off his hat with a smile and a sparkle in his eye.
After the game Kim was with his large group of friends and family when Marty and Dennis were leaving. Kim’s wife Cindy came up to hug them and thank them both. She told them how much it meant to Kim and how it lifted his spirits. Kim repeated how he was going to kick cancers butt much like his Sioux had just kicked Denver’s!
Many people helped make this possible from the DU staff to the North Dakota staff. Even with such a big game and a deep rivalry, they worked together to give Kim a night to remember. Special thanks to Steve Brekke for leading the charge at North Dakota. Once again Martin Richardson was the driving force for Dawg Nation and without his efforts this would not have been possible. Dawg Nation continues their mission of helping hockey families in need. Seeing the smiles, tears and emotions it was evident that The Nation has touched yet another family.
The mission continues…
From left: Dawg Nation ambassador Dennis Heaton, Kim McLeod, North Dakota Athletic Director Bill Faison, and Associate Athletic Director Steve Brekke
Get well Kim,
ReplyDeleteThe Dawg Father
I am Kim's niece, I am from ND and drove with my family to CO to help support Kim and the Fighting Sioux. Words cant express how amazing this group of guys are!! Thanks so much to everyone who worked together to surprise my uncle with the hat. Saturdays game, he was still showing it off, with the biggest smile in the world. Thanks so much Dawg Nation for what you do!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this for my friend. Like Kim I have been a life long fan of hockey. I've known Kim for several years now, and we've gone back and forth on all things hockey. But through all the time that we've known each other, I've come to realize just what kind of a friend I have in Kim. I support him in all that he is doing with his battle with cancer. In my heart I know that with the drive he has, he will beat this bump in the road. Thank-you to the entire team, both DU, and ND.
ReplyDeleteI work with Kim and you put a big smile on his face and mine. Kim is ‘Good People”. Thanks for smile.
ReplyDeleteTony Polisi
It was good to see so many friends and family at the game in support of Kim. Even the hockey God's were on his side that night judging by the game outcome. It was so worth it to see the smile on Kim's face. Kim keep up the fighting Sioux spirit as you work to kick cancers butt!
ReplyDeleteDennis Heaton
I was at the game on Friday and I can attest that Kim was on cloud nine after he got the hat. I had the honor to meet Marty and Dennis from Dawg Nation and that group is doing unbelievable things. I checked out their site and what they have done for Cody Beekman (paralyzed hockey player) and others is mind blowing. Please check out their site www.dawgnationhockey.org. It's worth it. Way to go Dawg Nation, you have a bunch of new fans in N.D.!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome story all around. kudos to all involved. - Ohiosiouxfan
ReplyDeleteDennis, thanks for what you have done for my friend Kim and my former hockey player Cody. God bless you guys.
ReplyDeleteJohn Loveless
As a CC Fan, it's hard to admit that the line "DU Sucks" doesn't apply all the time. A major good deed by NoDak, the flying alphabet Mr. Gwoz and his Pioneers and you DAWG guys!
ReplyDeleteFor everyone involved, what a great tribute for a great guy. Kim is a good friend of mine and I know he had a smile a mile wide. Hockey people are the best. Keep kicking some butt Kim.
ReplyDeleteJames