Community shows support for ailing Cranbrook-born hockey veteran
Dave Fisher former captain of B.C.'s provincial hockey team
Last Updated: Friday, August 10, 2007 | 9:58 PM PT
CBC News


The community of Cranbrook has rallied to support a terminally ill hockey veteran, with a reunion game proving Canada's national sport is more than sticks and pucks.


Hockey veteran Dave Fisher said he "feels great,' taking part in a reunion game in Cranbrook on Thursday evening.
(CBC)
Dave Fisher was a member of the Cranbrook Colts in his younger days, and a former captain of the B.C. provincial team.

In January he was diagnosed with ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease —the same illness that took his twin brother's life last summer.

"I've just been through warm up and I'm already out of breath. It feels great, " Fisher said before the reunion game Thursday night.



More than 30 former teammates came back to Cranbrook from as far away as California to help out their friend.

"When you play together for so many years, you become one big great family," Fisher told CBC News.

Life expectancy for ALS sufferers is three to five years, Fisher said, which is why it was important for him to bring his two sons back from Toronto, where they live now, to the place he and his wife grew up.


Brandon Fisher said he hopes he dad would stay alive.
(CBC)
"The ALS, I feel really sad about it, because my dad … I hope he stays alive," Fisher's son Brandon said.

Fisher's story made its way to Scott and Rob Neidermayer — fresh off winning the Stanley Cup with Anaheim — who were also born and raised in the B.C. community.

The Neidermayers not only invited Fisher's sons to join their hockey camp, they laced them up for the reunion game as well.

"We didn't know Dave personally before this," said Scott Niedermayer. "But I'm sure we went down to the arena and watched him play many, many games for the Colts growing up."


Over 30 former teammates came back to Cranbrook from as far away as California to help out Fisher, seen here in a black jersey.
(CBC)
"He's a pretty heroic guy," Rob Niedermayer said. "See all the friends that are here? Guys that have that many friends are usually good guys."

A fundraiser is continuing and the money raised will help offset some of Fisher's medical expenses down the road.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-col...bc-hockey.html