Potsdam men’s Ice Hockey friends and family participated in the Molson Canadian Cup at the Bell Sensplex in Kanata, Ontario. The team called themselves Jocey’s Bears in honor of Jocelyn “Jocey” Elberson, sister of Potsdam alum Heather Elberson-Brothers ’06 and sister-in-law of former Bear Jason Brothers ’04. The team came together to have fun and raise money for a good cause.
On November 11, 2012, Jocey was killed when a drunk driver lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a group of pedestrians in Amherst, N.Y. The the driver was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison after his seventh driving while intoxicated charge, as well as charges related to causing the deaths of Jocey and another pedestrian.
Jocelyn’s parents are currently working to pass “Jocelyn’s Law” through the New York State Assembly. The law would strengthen sentences for repeat DWI offenders that are the cause of a fatality.
The money raised by the Bears alums will be used to offset the travel costs incurred by the Elberson and Brothers families, who frequently travel to speak to first time DWI offenders at victim impact panels.
Members of Jocey’s Bears hope continued alumni participation in similar events will encourage donations in Jocey’s name, to charitable organizations that combat impaired driving and offer support and services to victims and their families.
For more information on Jocey’s Law and where to donate, contact Heather Elberson-Brothers at [email protected].
On the ice, Jocey’s Bears battled through three enjoyable, but hard fought contests. Vilis Abele ’07 and Trevor Waite ’07 each led the team with a goal and two assists. Mike Taylor ’06 finished with a goal and an assist, while Mark Stewart ’06 and Dennis Colterman ’07 chipped in a goal apiece. In goal, Rob Barnhardt ’08 was as solid between the pipes as he was for four years on the ice at Maxcy Ice Arena.
