The Whitecourt Wolverines and their fans became superheroes last week to help raise money for a great cause

The Whitecourt Wolverines and the Calgary Canucks battled it out on Saturday night at the Scott Safety Centre for Superhero Night. The hometown squad was decked out in brand-new jerseys that stood out brightly against the stark ice surface. Bright yellow comprised most of the jersey body, with a bright red stripe as the belt buckle. The Wolverines looked the part of superheroes as they skated around the ice. All they were missing were capes.

Young fans who dressed up as their favourite superheroes got into the game for free, while adults who dressed up only had to pay five dollars. Throughout the arena, fans got into the spirit of the night with all kinds of well-known costumes in the stands, from Spiderman to Superman, Batman to Batwoman, and Wonder Woman and Captain America.

Throughout the game, fans participated in an auction for the game-worn jerseys on the ice, helping raise funds for Defeat Duchenne Canada. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare genetic condition which involves progressive muscle damage and weakness and typically affects boys. For every 5000 boys born worldwide, one is born with Duchenne; sadly, it is the most common fatal form of muscular dystrophy.

According to Defeat Duchenne Canada, the country’s only national charity aiming to end the disease, there are about 800 boys and young men in Canada living with Duchenne. The unrelenting disease weakens the body’s muscles and deteriorates vital functions and organs, eventually taking the sufferer’s life. Defeat Duchenne Canada is focused on helping families in the fight and on helping find a cure. Superhero Night is a fantastic way to spread awareness and raise necessary funds.

Over 600 fans filled the seats at the Scott Safety Centre, ready to see their Wolverines win. In the first period, Jack Franklin whipped the Wolverine’s fans into a frenzy with a wicked goal assisted by Tanner Klimpke and Colby Browne. The goal came at 4:28 of the period. Nearly ten minutes later, the Calgary Canucks responded, tying things up 1-1. In the first intermission, all fans in attendance who were dressed up as their favourite superheroes were invited out onto the ice to take a big group picture together.

In the second period, things got aggressive. Thirty-six seconds into the frame, a big hit on a Wolverine brought things to a screeching halt. It took the referees a few minutes to get things settled back down. Five penalties resulted from the kerfuffle, three for Calgary (boarding and roughing x2) and two for the Wolverines, with Bevington and Tatarenko getting pegged with roughing penalties.

At 3:55 of the second, Dylan Leslie hammered in his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Michael Lovsin. The Whitecourt Wolverines, aka The Superheroes, were back on top with the lead, 2-1. The period saw five more penalties before it wrapped, including a kneeing double minor against the Canucks and checking from behind and game misconduct against Wolverine Tanner Komzak.

In the third, the Wolverines were looking for an insurance goal. With the game being fast-paced from the start and only one goal between a lead and a tie, the hometown superheroes wanted some wiggle room. The Wolverines had two big chances on the powerplay after high sticking and tripping penalties against the Canucks but couldn’t capitalize.

At 10:20, Calgary was called for interference giving the Wolverines another chance with the man advantage. This time, the Wolverines did not miss. Colby Browne snapped up his second game point, scoring unassisted to give the Wolverines a 3-1 lead. Eight minutes later, the siren rang to end the game. The Superhero Whitecourt Wolverines had successfully overtaken their opponent.

Thanks to the generosity of fans, Defeat Duchenne Canada was the biggest winner at the game. Funds raised will go a long way to support the organization and ultimately help those dealing with the debilitating effects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To learn more, visit www.defeatduchenne.ca.