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Gateway DAWG Bowl IV

June 12-14, 2026

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Theme

At DAWG Nation, our annual DAWG Bowl tournaments have always featured a special theme. This year, we shined a spotlight on Mental Health Awareness to bring attention to this important issue. On January 5th, we lost a cherished member of our community, Tommy Daniels Pisciotta, and we dedicated this year’s tournament to breaking the stigma around mental health and reminding everyone that no one skates alone.

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Survivor Game

On June 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., we took the ice for the region’s first‑ever Survivor Game, proudly presented by Alexander Plumbing and Remodeling. The night became a powerful celebration of athletes who have triumphed over cognitive, physical, and visual disabilities — individuals whose courage and resilience lit up the rink. Fans packed the stands, cheering loudly and creating the kind of warm, inclusive atmosphere that reminds us why this community is so special. It was a night of heart, hope, and unforgettable moments that showed exactly what it means when we say no one skates alone.

Survivor Game

Recipient

Will Myers

Will Myers was diagnosed in March 2026 with Stage 2 throat cancer. As a union painter in St. Louis and the sole provider for his wife and three daughters, the weeks of chemotherapy and daily radiation ahead meant an immediate and overwhelming financial strain. His Busch Lightning teammates rallied around him, and the DAWG Nation board stepped in with a 3‑to‑1 match on donations, up to $2,500 — a powerful show of what this community stands for.

Saturday brought that spirit to life. In front of a packed house, we presented $20,000 to Will — a husband, a father, a teammate, and a fighter in the middle of a very real battle. Players signed his jersey, smiles filled the room, and then Will stepped onto the ice to drop the puck before the Survivor Game. It was one of those moments that hit everyone in the building.

Will Myers’ Story
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Give Back Champs

Pass The Hat

This year, the DAWGS won the Pass the Hat challenge, a tradition that celebrates generosity across our hockey community. Their effort helped push the weekend’s impact even further. To learn more about the Pass the Hat program and how it supports local hockey families, visit the DAWG Nation Midwest page at dawgnationmw.org/pass-the-hat.

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David B Heath Award

The Hardhat Award honored the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Gateway DAWG Bowl rolling. This year, Michael Casetta and Chris Schellenbach earned the award through their nonstop effort all weekend long.

Last year’s recipient, Brandon Riley, was right there again — showing up, helping out, and proudly passing the torch forward. Huge thanks to all three, and to every volunteer who brought the hard‑work and heart this award represents

Tournament Champions

Team Championship photos from Gateway DAWG Bowl IV.

In the spirit of the weekend — No One Skates Alone — here are the teams who rose to the top this weekend. 🏒

Silver – STL Bolts

Bronze – Charlie Foxtrot

Copper A – Beermen

Copper B – Hockey Heals

Women’s – Jurassic Puck

Venue Details

The Maryville University Hockey Center is a modern ice and multi-sport venue located in Chesterfield Valley. Spanning 84,000 square feet, it boasts two NHL-sized rinks, seating for around 2,000 fans, a second-floor enclosed viewing area, team meeting rooms, and spacious locker rooms.

What it was all about

Hockey players from all walks of life came together for an incredible three‑day event filled with competition, emotion, support, and generosity. It became another unforgettable weekend dedicated to helping those who needed it most. The DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation has long relied on these tournaments to raise critical funds for members of the hockey community facing tough times, with each event centered around a specific recipient. We were once again reminded how fortunate we are to be part of such a compassionate hockey family that always shows up when it matters

Please note: This event was exclusively for adults, and we were only able to allow participants who were 18 years of age or older. We appreciated everyone’s understanding.

  • Multiple divisions based on skill level
  • Three games guaranteed
  • Souvenir bags for all participants
  • Real‑time scoring
  • Round Robin bracket

Players joined us for a full‑ice, 5‑on‑5 hockey tournament following the USA Hockey rulebook. The first two periods featured 15 minutes of running time, followed by a 12‑minute stop‑time third period. We offered full‑team registration with no deposit required, and spots filled quickly. Individual registrations were also welcomed, though limited.

It became a weekend of hockey, giving back, and creating unforgettable memories.

Event Details

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