Trail Smoke Eaters goaltender Cooper Michaluk has re-established himself as one of the top netminders in the BCHL, while raising money for the Canadian Cancer Association.
The 21-year-old puck-stopper from Sherwood Park, Alta., had an extra incentive during the month of February, personally pledging one-dollar for each save toward cancer research and challenged others to match.
Michaluk was still early in his return from three months on the injured list when he stepped into the crease at Cominco Arena Feb. 4 against the division-leading West Kelowna Warriors.
He responded with a 48-save performance, backstopping the Smokies to a 6-4 win.
The veteran played five more games during the month totaling 203 saves and pointed out that the campaign played a big role in producing a monumental monthly save percentage of .925.
Michaluk was pleased with his play in February, knowing his “Save for a Cause” campaign was also money in the bank in the fight against the dreadful disease.
“I think I averaged about 34 saves a game and I played like six games, that was really good, it probably went better than I expected and just super fortunate and that everyone was able to be a part of this for me,” he stated.
As of the end of February the campaign had raised over $3,500, which was well beyond his wildest dreams,
“The (Smoke Eaters) alumni donated $500 and I looked on the sheet and there is (individual donations of) 100, 200 or whatever it is, 50 bucks, just super blessed and super honoured to be able to be the driving force and super happy where the money’s going, the Canadian Cancer Society,” Michaluk beamed.
He also said the overwhelming response is a compliment to the community that he calls his hockey home.
“It’s very special that people are able to group together on something so big like this, making it bigger than the game of hockey,” he commented and is grateful for the help off the ice and behind the scenes.
“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by staff that helped me out with this and started this out for me and to be able to collect a bunch of donations and be a greater cause for everything,” Michaluk added.
Michaluk’s grandpa recently passed away after a battle with cancer and his grandma is a cancer survivor.
The Smokies goalie heads into the month of March with a 13-5 record, sporting a 2.95 goals against average and a season-long save percentage of .905.
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