Photo: Cut For A Cure

Several members of the Tampa Bay Lightning lost a fair amount of hair this evening at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Vinny Lecavalier, Teddy Purcell, B.J. Crombeen, Alex Killorn, and Matt Carle formed Team Lightning in the 4th Annual Cut For A Cure charity Challenge.

The event sees people from all over the Bay area raising money to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The Bolts have also selected the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation as an additional recipient of the funds they raise. Thanks to the wonders of Twitter, we can see what the guys look at after shedding their locks.

Just because the shaving has already taken place doesn’t mean the fundraising has ended. You can still show your support for this extremely worthy cause through May 3rd here. In a very touching gesture, the players are participating in memory of former teammate Dominic Moore’s late wife Katie.

Dominic Moore Photo by Alexis Boucher

Some very sad news to pass along. Former Lightning center Dominic Moore’s wife Katie passed away on Monday. She was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer last April, shortly after Moore had been traded to the San Jose Sharks.

The Sharks released a statement on Dom’s behalf in June about her illness.

We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Dominic and both of their families.

Update- Dominic has issued the following statement through the NHLPA:

“On behalf of my family, I’d like to express our deep appreciation for the overwhelming care and sympathy we have received since my wife’s passing on Monday. The example Katie displayed throughout her life and in particular during her illness is a source of continued strength and inspiration for us all, as is the love and support of those around us. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the future Katie Moore foundation at katiemoore.org.“

Do or do not. There is no try.

A long time ago in an arena by the bay… two hockey bloggers found themselves sitting at home on a Friday night. Dinner had been consumed, pajamas were on,  and the only thing left to do was to find a movie on television. Enter “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back”.

As the movies progressed, Jason Haas and I did the only thing we could to make the evening complete. We cast Lightning players past and present in George Lucas’ space epic.  The original trilogy only, of course. We’re not complete heathens.

Who’s who in our Lightning/Star Wars crossover? Read on…

» Continue reading “Bolt Wars: Who’s Scruffy-Looking?”

Dominic Moore Photo by Linda Hamilton

Though his time in Tampa was brief, center Dominic Moore quickly became a fan favorite. It’s because of this that we were upset to learn about the struggles he and his family have been going through recently.

The San Jose Sharks published a statement from Moore on their website today:

“Towards the end of the 2011-12 season, my wife, Katie, began feeling ill. We visited with local doctors, who suggested running a variety of tests to ascertain the cause of the issue. Ultimately, Katie was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer and it was recommended that she undergo surgery, which took place in California in April.

While it was disappointing to not be able to compete with my Sharks teammates in the playoffs, my wife’s condition and care come first and I want to thank the Sharks organization, my teammates and their families for the love and support that has been shown to Katie and I during this difficult time.” (Source: San Jose Sharks Website)

Dominic and his wife Katie both participated in the last two Hockey & Heels events the Lightning have hosted. I was struck by what incredibly nice people they are and appreciative that they gave of their time to spend with the fans. Katie offered insight onto the experience of being the wife of an NHL journeyman and definitely made us smile with embarrassing stories about Dom from college. Great people, for sure.

We here at Sons of Andryechuk are sending our thoughts, well wishes, good vibes, and a full recovery their way.