Moncton Wildcats goalie stops pucks for cancer

There is some extra pressure on Moncton Wildcats goalie Nicola Riopel to save as many pucks as possible for the rest of the season.

Riopel and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Wildcats are using a unique fundraising idea to help one of their biggest fans battle cancer.

'It's like an extended family really. We've made so many friends at the rink. It's not just the hockey, the hockey's great. It's like we're part of a special group.' Kevin Rickard

Every time Riopel makes a save at a home game, he kicks in a dollar towards the cancer treatment for Kevin Rickard, a Wildcats' season ticket holder. TheWildcats organization has agreed to match the player's donations.

For the 20-year-old goalie, the decision to give money out of his own pocket was a personal one.

"The grandfather of my girlfriend just died two days after Christmas. So it was really hard for us. So I decided to help the cancer by what I do best," Riopel said.

Kevin Rickard, a Fredericton resident, was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago. While he thought he had the cancer beat at one point, it came back.

Recently he's been hospitalized in Saint John while he waits for a stem cell transplant, which means he doesn't get to cheer on his beloved Moncton Wildcats.

When the Wildcats heard about Rickard's situation, the team decided it wanted to raise money for him.

Bill Schurman, the Wildcats' general manager, said he hopes to raise over $1,000 before the season is done.

Schurman said the unique way to raise funds came directly from their goaltender.

The program has raised $170 for Rickard so far.

Rickardsaid the idea shows how close the team and its fans have become.

"It's like an extended family really. We've made so many friends at the rink. It's not just the hockey, the hockey's great. It's like we're part of a special group," Rickard said.