ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The men’s hockey game at the University of Michigan on Friday will be played with a purpose that goes far beyond the game itself.
That’s because the team is set to host its first-ever “pink game,” which aims to honor an assistant coach’s wife who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.
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As the hockey team practices for its game Friday against St. Cloud State University, they know this game is not only about securing a win but also about standing up for something bigger and more important.
“Coach Deschamps’ wife Kelly was diagnosed with cancer,” said Jacob Truscott, the team’s captain. “He told us a little bit ago and it was definitely a sad moment for all of us and for him as well. It’s tough to see anyone go through that, but especially your coach, and especially a guy that is always so positive.”
This is Matt Deschamps’ second year as an assistant coach. He said his wife went in for what should have been a quick medical issue back in August. That appointment ended up lasting eight hours -- and that’s when they got the news.
“We were given the diagnosis that she has stage three inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer,” Deschamps said. “The news kind of flipped our world upside down.”
The players wanted to help, so along with U-M staff, they decided to host a “pink game” to honor Kelly and everyone fighting breast cancer.
“My wife and my kids are going to come out and I’ll join them in dropping the ceremonial puck, which I think will be really, really impactful for all of us as a family,” Deschamps said.
The team will wear pink ribbons, wrap their sticks with pink tape and they’ll also educate fans on inflammatory breast cancer and how early diagnosis is important.
“I think it’s going to be heavy. I’m going to keep it together,” Deschamps said. “You would never want this diagnosis for even your worst enemy and everybody’s united in the fight against cancer. What’s been amazing is to see how many people have lined up behind us and are ready to fight with us it’s been incredible.”
The “pink game” will take place Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena, but the best way to help the Deschamps family is by providing financial support. They will have travel expenses, medical costs and therapies that aren’t covered by insurance.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family. You can donate here.