Travis Roy's Message Continues to Impact Wildcats

Editor's Note: A correction has been made in this story to indicate that raffle tickets will benefit The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation in addition to The Travis Roy Foundation.

. Members of the boys hockey team didn’t forget Roy’s message when they walked out the gymnasium door that day.

On Wednesday, the team will skate against Winchester at 8 p.m. inside . But this tilt serves as more than just a game.

The contest is dedicated to The Travis Roy Foundation, which emphasizes the importance of spinal cord injury research. The Wildcats will feature drawings throughout the game for donated items that include hockey sticks autographed by the entire Boston Bruins roster.

In addition, there is another fundraising game on Saturday, Feb. 11, against Melrose that will benefit The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. The Breast Cancer Game, which also serves as Senior Night for the team, will feature a special surpise that has not yet been revealed.

At Wednesday's game, an autographed Bruins stick, two Boston College hockey tickets, and a VISA gift card are the items that will be raffled off.

Tickets that do not win tonight will carry over to the game against Melrose when another Bruins stick, two pairs of Red Sox tickets, a gift basket, Dunkin' Donuts items, and other prizes will be given away. Anyone who buys raffle tickets is eligible for both contests.

“When a guy like (Travis Roy) comes to your school and shares his story, you want to pay your respect,” said senior captain Dalton Rolli, who was the driving force behind the event. “Our team always does these kind of things in the community, and as soon as we heard his speech, we said ‘We have to do something.’” 

Wilmington head coach Steve Scanlon said it’s impressive to see his players working hard for charity each year, and added that it may put an extra hop in their step in during the game against Winchester. 

“When you hear (Roy’s) story about perseverance, you can’t help but be inspired. I think it will be in the back of their minds during the game,” said Scanlon, who said Rolli has stepped up as the team’s leader this year. “(Rolli) pays attention to the other parts of being a captain, not just wearing the ‘C.’ He tries to set a good example, and he’s done that.”

Rolli said players have already passed donation jars around school and began selling raffle tickets. He said the work by the hockey parents has been instrumental in planning the fundraiser.

“We’re just giving something in return for what Travis gave us. He gave us knowledge, so we want to give to his foundation,” said Rolli. “Hopefully the school will build off of it and make it something they do every year.”