POTSDAM, N.Y.-The SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team will host its DHC Night for the Fight Against Cancer on Saturday, Dec. 10, when the Bears host fifth-ranked SUNY Geneseo.
As many other teams and families, the Bears have been repeatedly and are personally affected by the affliction. After a promising freshman season, Potsdam lost sophomore forward Anthony Proteau to cancer on April 3, 2010.
“To this day, Anthony’s life is a reminder to all of us that we each have a responsibility to make the most of every day because there are people who no longer have another opportunity,” said Bears Head Coach Chris Bernard. “We have worn stickers on our helmets with an emblem honoring him ever since as a reminder of his influence.”
A few years later, Bernard’s father-in-law Darrell Hampton, who described himself as the Bears No. 1 fan, passed from cancer. DHC was the name of the commercial drywall company he owned and operated. However, for the team now, the letters have come to stand for Determination, Humor and Courage.
“As Darrell battled, the team served as a huge source of strength for me, as they were aware of my feelings for him,” Bernard said. “Since his passing, our players have helped me to cope with his loss through their dedicated efforts to embody the things he believed in: hard work, dedication, family and friendship.”
Currently, Bernard’s grandfather, Wayne Wilkins, is battling the disease. Unfortunately, he is not the program’s last cancer combatant.
Last April, after playing in all 26 games for Potsdam, sophomore defenseman Sean Kacerosky (Kendall Park, N.J./New York Bobcats) was diagnosed as well and immediately sent to surgery the same day.
“The first people I actually told were my teammates,” said Kacerosky. “They all left class to come and see me before surgery. It’s easy to have a good mindset when you have 26 people that are always there for you no matter what.”
Luckily, Kacerosky and his doctors caught the cancer early. He is in remission, receiving regular screenings and was able to return to the team as a healthy junior prior to the season.
“I have the utmost admiration and respect for Sean,” Bernard said. “For him to return to the ice and play this season is unbelievable. The modest, unassuming and resolved manner in which he has approached his struggle from the beginning is equally exceptional.”
On Saturday night, the Bears will wear special purple jerseys during the game in support of the fight against cancer. A ceremonial puck drop will open the contest. A donation table and remembrance poster will be available for contributions and acknowledgements. All proceeds from the night will go to the American Cancer Society.
The Bears will begin next weekend with a 7 p.m. contest against Brockport. They then host Geneseo at the same time the following night.
