In the lead‑up to the June 13, 2026 Survivor Game at the Maryville University Hockey Center, we launched a community‑wide outreach effort to identify and honor athletes who had overcome cognitive, mental, physical, or visual disabilities, as well as other life‑changing challenges.
The Survivor Game — long known as the emotional highlight of the DAWG Bowl in Colorado — made its debut in our region this year. As part of our commitment to celebrating resilience, we opened nominations to the public, inviting families, teammates, and community members to share the stories of individuals who had fought their way back to the sport they love.
Nominations were accepted for past DAWG Nation recipients, community‑recommended individuals, and anyone with an inspiring recovery journey. Participants could also skate in honor of someone unable to take part. Our outreach efforts brought in new faces, new stories, and new connections, all centered around the belief that hockey heals.
The response from the community was overwhelming. People stepped forward to nominate friends, family members, and teammates, helping us build a roster that truly reflected the heart of the event. As we moved closer to game day, it became clear that this wasn’t about competition — it was about honoring personal struggles and celebrating victories.
The Survivor Game became a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose, compassion, and a shared love for the sport.