March 14, 2001
Credited with the assist
Hockey team donates funds to opposing player's family
By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
The boys on the Rico's Cafe', Grand Traverse Hockey Association pee-wee team love to play hockey. They play with the determination that only 11 and 12 year olds have. So when they decided to do something to help out an opponent, people took notice.
When the players learned that an opposing player, Dane Kania of the Olson's team, had recently lost his home in a fire, they decided the money that they had been collecting for their end-of-the-season party could be put to better use by the boy's family.
"We just thought it would be a good idea," said assistant captain Buck Dubro, "It made us feel pretty good, too."
Parents of the players had contributed quarters for each goal that the team scored over the course of the season. With a winning season under their belt, the party fund had grown to $232.54.
"I almost started crying when they gave it to us," said Kania's mother, Barb Lewis, "It was pretty amazing for a group of kids to give us something that was meant for them. They are great kids, I was very touched."
Also impressed by the actions of the team was their coach Rick Dubro.
"I'm very proud of the boys, for deciding to do this on their own, it makes me feel good that they would be this generous," he said.
Team sponsor, Rico's Cafe', has decided to pick up the tab for an end-of-the-season party, to celebrate a good season, and a great showing of good sportsmanship.