phone icon (618) 581-8407 DONATE NOW

Survivor Game Program

June 13, 2026, 6:00 P.M

Read More
blue line pattern

Survivor Game 2026 — Strength. Spirit. Resilience.

On June 13th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Maryville University Hockey Center, the ice tells stories of courage. Each player below has faced challenges that could have ended their journey—yet here they are, skating forward with heart, hope, and determination.

This game isn’t just about hockey. It’s about resilience, community, and healing. It’s about proving that no matter what life throws at us, no one skates alone.

Together we celebrate survival, honor mental health awareness, and remind the world that Hockey Heals — on and off the ice.

 

 

Event Details

Location: Maryville University Hockey Center 18383 Chesterfield Airport Rd Chesterfield, MO 63005

Admission: Free to attend — donations are appreciated and support DAWG Nation’s mission of helping families in need.

blue line pattern

Fellow Survivor

Meet Your Host: Guy Schafer

Guy Schafer brings quick wit, big energy, and genuine heart to every event he hosts. As the voice of Slapstick Hockey, he keeps crowds laughing, engaged, and reminded that hockey truly heals.

In May, Guy experienced a sudden heart attack and was life‑flighted to Vanderbilt University Hospital, where doctors placed three stents and diagnosed him with type 2 diabetes. With discipline and a renewed focus on his health, he’s made a strong recovery and carries a deeper appreciation for every moment.

Tonight, as Host of the DAWG Nation Survivor Game, Guy leads with gratitude, warmth, and the message at the core of this event — no one skates alone.

Photo credit: @redgoatphoto

Special Moments

Before the players take the ice, and again after the final buzzer, tonight is filled with moments that honor the heart of the Survivor Game.

National Anthem — Pershard Owens A powerful performance that sets the tone for an evening of courage, unity, and hope.

Ceremonial Puck Drop – (TBA) A symbolic start to a night dedicated to resilience and community.

Special Presentation – (TBA) A moment to recognize the individuals and stories that inspire this event and the mission behind it.

Post‑Game Survivor Shootout & Player Recognition After the game, each survivor will take the ice one at a time for a shootout‑style moment. This is where the spotlight truly belongs — on them.

As each player steps forward, the arena will rise in a heartfelt welcome, celebrating their journey, their strength, and the courage it took to get here. It’s a chance for the community to cheer, honor, and embrace every survivor individually, making sure they feel the love and support that defines this night.

Post‑Game Meet & Mingle — The Falcons Nest When the final shootout moment wraps, everyone is invited upstairs to the Falcons Nest for a relaxed post‑game gathering. Appetizers, conversation, storytelling, and shared moments will fill the room as survivors, families, supporters, and fans come together.

It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the stories that make this night unforgettable — a warm reminder that healing happens in community.

Meet the Survivors

Below are the athletes whose journeys define this night. Their stories remind us why the Survivor Game exists — to honor resilience, celebrate healing, and show that even in the hardest moments, this community stands together.

Each story below is unique, but they all share a common thread: courage.
Take a moment with each bio. Learn their journey. Celebrate their strength.
These survivors are the heartbeat of this event — the reason we skate, the reason we gather, and the reason this night matters.

Survivor Officials

Dean Robinson

Read Bio

Ian “Scooter” Herndon

Read Bio

Survivor Players

blue line pattern

Supporting and Honoring Will Myers

Tonight, we are proud to support and honor Will Myers, a beloved member of the Busch Lightning and a longtime part of our St. Louis hockey community. Will was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 throat cancer, a battle that has taken him away from work and placed a heavy burden on his young family.

As a husband, father of three daughters, and the sole provider for his household, Will is facing an incredibly difficult road — one filled with weekly chemotherapy, daily radiation, and significant financial strain.

DAWG Nation Midwest and the community stand firmly beside Will during this fight. This evening, we will make a special presentation in his honor as a reminder that this community never lets one of its own face hardships alone.

Coaches

Dwight Schofield

Born March 25, 1956, he is a former American professional ice hockey player who spent more than a decade in the NHL, skating for six teams between 1977 and 1988. Today, he brings a different kind of strength to the ice as a survivor of prostate cancer

Read More

Bob Cadieux

A trusted friend of DAWG Nation, Bob steps into the Survivor Game as a coach whose story carries deep meaning. He lost his brother, Ed, to a heart attack, and today he stands beside his wife as she fights blood cancer Lymphoma. Bob is also preparing for hip surgery on the 30th, with every intention of being back on the ice next year. Though he couldn’t participate tonight, his resilience, loyalty, and unwavering support for his family reflect the courage and heart we honor in every Survivor Game.

Read More
Closing Message

Why This Game Matters The Survivor Game is more than a tradition — it’s a lifeline. It’s a reminder that healing happens in community, that mental health deserves a spotlight, and that every survivor’s story has the power to inspire someone else to keep going.

Thank you for supporting these players, this mission, and this movement. Together, we prove that no one skates alone.

Share now