Submitted Photo Sarah Schlecht, left, and Dave Schlecht, right, are shown next to 2022-23 Minot State men’s hockey player Wayde Johannesson holding the Murdaugh Cup.

The Minot State Men’s and Women’s hockey teams will be hosting a fundraiser during their games on Friday, Feb. 16, but for a very special reason.

About two months ago the hockey teams found out a special member of their community, Dave Schlecht, has been diagnosed with stage four small cell cancer.

“The Schlechts have been huge supporters of us and the women’s team for a number of years now, “ said the men’s head coach Wyatt Waselenchuk.

“We have a ‘hockey mom’ program that has certainly turned into a ‘hockey family’ program,” he said. “They provide support for our players throughout the season, whether that’s cooking some meals, providing snacks for road trips or even just spending some quality time together during a long season away from home. It’s an incredible program that has been around for 25-plus years, and we are so fortunate to have the Schlechts and all of our hockey families involved and supporting our young men and women.”

Dave Schelcht and his family are beloved by the Minot State hockey program and they wanted to do something special for him and his family.

On Friday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb 17, the women’s and men’s teams will have free admission games. At the Friday game a silent auction and donations for Dave Schlecht and his family will be held. The women’s game will begin at 3:45 p.m. and the men’s game will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Maysa Arena.

“This particular benefit auction and evening will be passing all the proceeds directly to the Schlecht family,” said Waselenchuk. “The funds will be used to offset expenses of travel and home modifications to allow Dave mobility and help with any additional medical expenses.”

“He’s a part of our family and I know that our guys are really struggling with accepting the fact that this is happening to one of our own,” Waselenchuk continued. “He’s been such a positive influence and just an incredible supporter of us, and there are just no words for how tough these times are right now for Dave, his family and friends. We play for Dave and his family, and they are always in our thoughts and prayers.”