I was alerted to this story by a person on Sioux Sports this past weekend and I was meaning to get to this story sooner but my life has been busier than heck the last week. A truely touching story. Kim will be in my thoughts and prayers.
The Dawg Blog --- Kim McLeod, a longtime hockey player, coach and die hard North Dakota fan had a surprise visit between periods while attending Friday nights DU-ND game. Some background first.
Kim has been fighting a very aggressive form of cancer for the last year. He has overcome numerous obstacles and surgery during this time. Many people have been supporting him. Because of his love for his North Dakota hockey team, over 30 friends and family flew in to be with Kim at this game. Dawg Nation, having heard of Kim’s battle just the week of the game stepped up to make the night even more special for Kim. With the help of DU and especially Coach Gwozdecky, the staff from North Dakota was made aware of Kim and his situation. North Dakota Coach Dave Hakstol told Kim’s story to the team on the plane as they passed around a ND hat to sign.
After the entire team signed the hat it was given to the Assistant AD Steve Brekke. Steve met up with Dawg nation representatives’ President Martin Richardson and Dennis Heaton after the first period. It gets better as the head AD from North Dakota Brian Faison joined them to present Kim his hat. Kim is known as the green beer guy at these games because he carries green food coloring with him to turn unsuspecting DU fans beers a North Dakota green. Kim did not disappoint and while carrying a green beer was approached by Marty who told him some guys from North Dakota wanted to see him. Kim recognized Brian and Steve and was totally in shock when they presented him with his signed hat. His eyes misted up as he kept repeating “I can’t believe it”. After some discussion Kim went back to his seat to cheer on his team. He was seen during the next intermission proudly showing off his hat with a smile and a sparkle in his eye.
