Bulldogs stand in support of Stejskal during cancer battle

On Tuesday University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) mens hockey sophomore goaltender Zach Stejskal revealed he’s battling testicular cancer. During a press conference on Wednesday a few Bulldogs spoke in support of the Cohasset native now in chemotherapy.

"Scary news when he told us a month or so ago," senior captain Noah Cates recalled."We just obviously try to be there for him, support him. Honesty he’s been a little too quiet about it, not really saying too much about it to us but that’s just kind of how he is." Cates added, "he’s going to battle."

Head coach Scott Sandelin said, "he’s doing great, as good as you can do given the circumstances. It’s good to see him once in a while when he comes down but hopefully we’ll get him back soon."

Stejskal told UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo he’s feeling good and does plan to play this season.

Since the news broke fellow Bulldog netminder Ben Patt’s Movember fundraising campaign has grown from $775 dollars Tuesday afternoon to over $4, 800 of the $5,000 goal by Wednesday afternoon. All of the proceeds will go towards supporting men’s health.

"It’s awesome," Cates said. "Patt has done a great job with that and obviously with Zach it’s kind of blown up. Really happy that we did that and can help out not only Zach but other men and their fights against cancer and other things."

To donate to the cause, click here.

UMD will be back in action Friday hosting the University of Alaska Fairbanks for a non-conference series. Puck drop is set for 7:07pm at AMSOIL Arena marking the two program’s first meeting since 1988.