Going above and beyond the call of being a Nelson Leaf
By Bruce Fuhr
Netminder Brad Rebagliati and forward/defenceman Blair Andrews have been key cogs to the success this season of the Nelson Leafs.
However, the two hockey players decided helping the team on the ice just wasn’t enough.
Which is why the two went the extra mile, buzz-cutting their hair to raise more than $3100 for the B.C. Cancer Society.
“Brad came to the team with really long hair and had a relative with cancer so he decided to cut his hair to raise money,” Blair Andrews told The Nelson Daily Wednesday.
“He asked if anyone else wanted to join in. I had an uncle that was diagnosed in July (2013) and just passed away a couple of weeks ago. So I thought it would be a good idea so joined in to raise money.”
The final countdown ended last week when both Andrews and Rebagliati had their locks shaved by a local hair stylist.
“My hair really wasn’t that long (before the cut) but to have it cut so short is really different,” Andrews explained. “It’s really cold on top now.”
Andrews, a rookie with the Leafs, started the season as a forward but was thrust back to defence when the blueline core of the Green and White experienced a rash of injuries.
Andrews was somewhat surprised with the total amount raised.
“Ya, we didn’t know how much we could raise but we have such great support in Nelson and both our families that were affected by cancer,” he said.
Andrews, 18, was on his way back to Alberta for a little rest and relaxation after Beaver Valley Nitehawks eliminated Nelson from the KIJHL playoffs in six games.
The Leaf players have until April 1 before the team will reassemble back on the ice in Nelson to prepare to host the Cyclone Taylor Cup April 10-13 at the NDCC Arena.
“We’re all pretty disappointed to lose to Beaver Valley but they’re a pretty good team and came more prepared than we did,” said Andrews, summing up the series.
After playing the Murdoch Final without the services of Rebagliati and Nelson’s other netminder, Adam Maida — both out of the lineup with injuries — the Leafs should have most of the team back ready to go in April.
“We would have liked to go all the way and win it all but we’ve got to have short memories . . . forget about the series, move on and get ready for the Cyclone.”
Beaver Valley currently trails the Creston Valley 1-0 in the best-of-seven Kootenay Conference Final after former Leaf Matti Jmaeff scored an unassisted goal in the third period to give the Thunder Cats a 5-4 win Tuesday in the East Kootenay City.
Game two was Wednesday back in Creston.
Games three and four are Friday and Saturday in Fruitvale.
