This weekend features the Aberdeen Wings taking on the Brookings Blizzard both Friday and Saturday at the Odde Ice Center. The weekend will also be a fundraiser for one former Aberdeen Wings player.
Zach Kraft, a member of the 2012-2013 Aberdeen Wings club, will be in attendance on Friday night. During an evaluation by a doctor following a hockey injury while playing for the Wisconsin Wilderness, it was discovered that he had a rare form of brain cancer called Glioblastoma. Zach has overcome so much, including losing his mother at a very young age to breast cancer. Among being an outstanding hockey player, Zach is also a very skilled graphic designer.
“He is the strongest person I know and always turns a negative into a positive,” stated Amanda Fuller, cousin to Zach.
Through the kindness of their hearts, Wings players #20 Dillon Eichstadt, #4 Jake Horton, and #24 Jonathan Grebosky have donated their 2014 NAHL Top Prospects jerseys to help raise funds. Friday night, during 1st intermission, these three jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to help Zach in his battle. These jerseys were worn this February in essentially the league’s all-star game. In addition, raffle tickets will be sold to win a game worn Zach Kraft jersey. The drawing for that jersey will be during 1st intermission of Saturday's game. Raffle proceeds will also be donated.
Please help support Zach Kraft and his battle with this rare form of brain cancer. As Wings owner Greg Odde mentioned earlier this season, we are a family. This isn’t just another junior hockey team in another junior hockey town. From the fans to the staff, sponsors to players, we are all a family.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to donate to the Zach Kraft Fundraiser, please contact Director of Marketing Aaron Smith at 605-380-5852 or email asmith@aberdeenwings.com.