Gracing the ice with a set of sensational skills, the most impressive aspect of Rebecca Vint’s hockey odyssey may be her heart of gold. A dedicated teammate and valued friend, the last two seasons has seen Vint’s impact extend beyond her well-deserved status as a CWHL All-Star.
With equal parts compassion and devotion, Vint is becoming admired for her esteemed efforts as a hockey humanitarian. For the second consecutive season, Vint was one of the compassionate catalysts towards another successful Teal Power fundraiser.
Dubbed the 2017 Faceoff to Fight Cervical Cancer, featuring corporate support from We*Are Creative Inc. and Sports Marketing All-Stars, the event took place in Vint’s hometown of Bolton, Ontario during the second weekend in April. More than 400 enthusiastic fans and supporters were on-hand, adding to the magnitude of said event.
As Bolton Arena served as the backdrop, Vint’s efforts during this heartwarming spring initiative were part of a labor of love. Tapping into her hometown roots while displaying her passion for the game, it was a collaboration representing the best of both worlds, motivated by a noble cause that holds a special place in her heart.
“This is a very special cause to me because we have a direct relation to the cofounder of Teal power, Tyler Puley – Tyler, is a very good friend of my boss, Steve. Any time I am able to help out anyone is a special moment and especially being able to help out for a great cause is even more touching – especially when it touches so close to home.”
As 13 teammates plus numerous volunteers from the Brampton Thunder graciously gave their time to take part in the fundraising game, it represented a great show of solidarity, enriching the essence of teamwork. The culture of caring on this day was also emphasized by the presence of Bolton Mayor Allan Thompson, who dropped the puck for the ceremonial face-off, featuring a jubilant Vint and Puley, who was skating for the Sunday Night Hockey League (SNHL) All-Stars. As a side note, Puley’s friend Steve serves in the capacity of SNHL Commissioner.
Adding to the spirit of collaboration on this day was the admirable presence of Karolina Urban. Having competed in the CWHL with the Toronto Furies and Calgary Inferno, along with a stint skating for Almaty in Kazakhstan, she returned to her CWHL roots on this special day. As a side note, Brampton assistant general manager Chelsea Purcell (who once played for Almaty) also strapped on the skates, showing her support for Vint.
Of note, Urban has also made her mark as a hockey humanitarian, working towards concussion research for children. The opportunity for Vint and Urban to call each other teammates was an ideal amalgamation of competitors whose charitable spirit embodied the potential of women in hockey to increase their prominence as role models off the ice. Donning the Brampton Thunder jersey, Urban holds a unique place in CWHL history, joining former Furies teammate Natalie Spooner as competitors who have been members of the Thunder for one day, both taking part in a charitable cause.
“I think this is awesome of every girl that showed up. I’m proud to be able to call them teammates to help fight a good cause and have my back on such a great event. I always know I can count on them and having them show up to our event is even more amazing.”
Having gone scoreless in the inaugural edition of the Faceoff to Fight Cervical Cancer fundraiser last spring, Vint found her scoring stride for the second edition. Finding the back of the net on two separate occasions, including the first goal for the Thunder, along with the winning shootout goal, it brought the impact of the day full circle, while adding an exciting sense of momentum on such a meaningful day for this incredible hockey heroine. As important as Vint’s achievements were off the ice, the ability to feel that same proud feeling of achievement on the ice represented one of the true feel-good stories on this memorable day, as the role of hometown hero took on a bold new meaning in this fundraising effort.
“It was really awesome! Last year I had a big goose egg so it was pretty cool to score in the game in front of a home crowd and with all my family and friends there to support such a great cause. And then to bury that shootout winner was just surreal, it just made for the fairytale ending to such an amazing day! We couldn’t have written a better script.”
While the final score of the game was prologue, as the true victory was represented by the fact that $9000 was raised, such a successful outcome provided a tremendous sense of satisfying fulfillment for all involvement.
Being able to give back to the community, while raising funds that may potentially save lives adds to an amazing local legacy for Vint, who is quickly becoming an admired role model that the younger players can emulate. Undoubtedly, the chance for those to be involved with Vint on this day certainly made their lives better.
As treasured as Vint’s accomplishments as an elite hockey competitor may be, including graduating as the all-time leading scorer from the Robert Morris Colonials, a CBHA national championship with the Toronto Shamrocks and the CWHL All-Star Game, this remarkable display of teamwork adds to an amazing level of admiration. Respected and esteemed as a teammate on the ice, the chance to be part of a bigger team off the ice adds significant substance to the meaning of teamwork.
The Faceoff to Fight Cervical Cancer shall certainly stand as one of the great hallmarks in Vint’s athletic endeavors, while providing the Brampton Thunder with a proud chapter in their hockey lore. Employing both devotion and sincerity, the chance to give back to the community is one that brings with it tremendous gratification and a profound appreciation, values that are the cornerstone of what makes such a cause so special,
“It means everything. I was born and raised in Bolton, and to see the community all come together for such an inspiring story really touches my heart. Last year was the real stepping stone, being the inaugural year and all, and to see them come together for a second year in a row is really amazing.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Photo credits: Jess Bazal
To learn more about Teal Power, please visit: http://tealpower.ca/
NOTE: A televised interview with Rebecca Vint on Sports Zone can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTNG69Ie7Og
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