Estevan Power Dodge Bruins left wing Isaac Embree has pledged to donate $5 from every goal and assist he gets this month to help knock out prostate cancer.
The 18-year-old enforcer, who is known more for the steadfast protection he provides his teammates on the ice than his production on the score sheet, said the decision to help raise research money and awareness about the most common cancer to affect Canadian men in their lifetime came through a simple idea to just help out where it’s needed.
“I don’t put up a lot of points and a lot of people know that, but I’m going to donate $100 either way,” said Embree, who has 3 goals and 7 points in 16 games this season as well as a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) leading four fighting majors and 94 penalty minutes.
Chris Lewgood, head coach and general manager of the Estevan Bruins, said Embree and all the guys in the room have a community first mentality, which they demonstrate throughout the season with volunteer work including the upcoming Nov. 20 Breakfast with the Bruins fundraiser at Affinity Place for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. He said the team’s SJHL leading 14 fighting majors and second most penalty minutes total is also an example of how the players put the well being of others above themselves.
“These guys all have a lot of heart,” said Lewgood. “Most of (the penalty minutes) come from standing up for each other and standing up for themselves and not letting teams come in here and push us around.”
Embree, who moved to the Energy City this August from Ladner, B.C. for a chance at suiting up for the Bruins, said his job on the ice is to protect the 24 brothers that line up alongside him each game. He said using the role he plays as a Bruin to also raise awareness about a cause that is important to him is just an added bonus.
“Hopefully I’ll get over $100, but overall I’m just happy to pinch in as much money as I can,” said Embree. “It’s a good cause and I’m just here to help.”
