Hockey supports cancer victim

AUSTIN, Texas — While all of Austin baked in the 100 degree plus weather, an enthusiastic group of people gathered inside the Chaparral Ice Center to watch a very special hockey game. While a hockey game in the middle of the summer isn’t all that unusual, this game was special because it was played to raise money to help a local firefighter who is battling cancer.
 

Dave Smith is a Lieutenant in the Austin Fire Department.   Following his annual physical, he learned he had contracted a rare and aggressive form of cancer.   Doctors initially indicated he may have as little as three months to live. But today, his doctors believe he can extend his life by going through a treatment protocol at M. D. Anderson in Houston, probably the most renowned cancer research and treatment center in the United States.
 
That’s the good news.   The not so good news is that while his medical insurance will cover most of the treatments, it won’t cover all of them.
 
Matt Barnes is also an Austin firefighter.   Those of you who followed the CHL (and its WPHL predecessor) may remember Barnes as one of the league’s premier goaltenders for the Central Texas Stampede and the Austin Ice Bats. After learning of Smith’s illness, Barnes, an all-star on and off the ice, put together the benefit hockey game between the Central Texas Alliance and the San Antonio Hose Hounds.   Both teams are made up of first responders from their respective areas.
“There is not a lot that I can do for dave to help him through his cancer,” Barnes said. “But the one thing I knew I could do was put together a hockey game.  So that’s what I did, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of a lot of different people.  So whether you donated your money, or your time, thank you.”
 
The game drew a crowd that would have made the former Ice Bat team jealous. Admission to the game was free, however everyone was asked to donate what they could to help Smith and his family.   Through T-shirt sales, donations at the game, on-line donations, etc., the Austin Firefighters’ Association/Local 975 was able to raise nearly $9,000 (with more donations coming via the internet). This included several hundred dollars raised by the team from San Antonio.
 
Following the game, Barnes presented Smith and his family with an envelope full of cash and Smith tearfully thanked the crowd for their support.
“I am humbled that so many people went out of their way to help me in so many ways,” Smith said. “I can’t thank the Austin Fire Department enough for bending over backwards for me.” 
 
If you would like to help the Smith family, please go to the link below, click on the second yellow “donate” button about half way down the page.   Make sure you indicate the donation is “for Lt. Dave Smith” in the purpose box.   Click here.
 
Not that anyone cared, but the Austin defeated San Antonio 6-2 and Barnes (playing forward) had a hat trick. One hat was tossed onto the ice.
 
Contact the writer at mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com