Derek Zike Get Well Fund

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…First, thanks to all of you for your concern and generous support of Derek Zike and his family.  The benefit for Derek Zike should be a great event for a great family and young man. First, a word about Derek from me, his coach.  Derek loved the game so much that his dream since last spring was to move from Indianapolis and play for the Fury.  His desire and hustle were always second to none, and for that reason, he earned a spot on our team.  Derek was ABSOLUTELY, THE hardest worker on our team.  He worked harder than anyone in practice and worked that way in games.  He was working his way up our line up with pure desire and by playing with reckless abandon.  He never, ever took a shift off.  He was extremely coachable and a great team guy.  He was, quite literally, every coach’s dream.  I tell you this because in my mind, he deserves the recognition but more importantly, I want him to serve as an inspiration to you and your player.  Derek is everything good about hockey and when you think of him and pray for him, I want you all to remember that.  I also believe with all my heart, that the desire, passion and drive that lives in him will be the very thing that brings him through this traumatic and life changing event.  I told Derek that he is already changing lives, hundreds and thousands of lives, and that he will continue to change people as God gives him the grace.

We look forward to having all of you, that are in town, at the benefit.  Please continue to watch the website for details about the event.  Purchase your dinner tickets early as it will likely be a sell-out. Donations for the Silent Auction can be mailed to or given to the front desk of Arctic Ice Arena, Attention: John Stevens. All players attending the event should wear their WHITE JERSEYS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE MIDGETS AND GIRL U19’S WHO SHOULD WEAR THEIR BLACK JERSEYS.  The midget and U19 teams will be serving as volunteers during the benefit.
The line-up for the NHL-AHL charity game is special as well.  Here is a partial list of players that have committed:
John Vanbiesbrouck
Gary Suter
Grant Mulvey
Gino Cavallini
Reggie Kerr
Brian Noonan
Dave Mackey
Bob Nardella
Steve Maltais
Mike Breslin

The Blackhawks have been incredible, from sending Derek signed jerseys to announcing our benefit during the games last week.  I got calls from Steve Konroyd, Eddie Olczyk, and numerous other former hawks, asking what they could do for Derek and his family. The Chicago Wolves have called and sent items,  The National Development Team,  and Mike Babcock,  head coach of the Red Wings visited Derek and sent items.  The list goes on as the incredible hockey community rallies again in support of one their own.  Please continue to pray and the spread the word about this wonderful young man, his story and the benefit…

Thanks as Always! 

Marc Kapsalis