Capitals rally to support head coach Dean Dixon
August 13, 2013
The Greater Lansing Amateur Hockey Association (GLAHA), parent association of the Lansing Capitals Midget AAA program of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), is holding a Skate-A-Thon on Thursday, August 15th to raise money for long time Lansing Capitals Head Coach and Co-Founder Dean Dixon.
Earlier this year, Dean was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He shared his thoughts in a letter to his players and Capitals alumni:
The game has changed and I wanted to give you some highlights! Sharon and Sheldon Maltz have found an opportunity, for me and my family, to win. Sharon took an overtime opportunity and she and Shelly contacted Dr. Spetzler in Phoenix, Arizona. He's rated the top 1%, in the nation, specializing in brain tumor cancer surgery. Seventeen days after I was in the hospital, the office of Dr Spetzler contacted my wife, Theresa, and said they have the confidence they can help. It took a couple days and conversations with Sharon, Shelly, Raj Wiener, and Gerry Johannson, my family and, my ability to absorb this information.
It’s simple: "Game On!" I have surgery scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, with NO FEAR! So on that day, the only thing I ask is this: "Be excited, smile and grit your teeth, believe and have faith. “Game On!” Without the hockey world, I would have never met Sharon and Shelly Maltz, whose son Myles played for me. I would not have been blessed with this opportunity. Thank you to the Maltzs!
In 1984 Gino Cavallini, scored in the 4th overtime, to win the NCAA college hockey National Championship! He went on to play in the NHL and since retiring has started youth programs and coaches in Chicago and St. Louis to “pay it forward.” I have endless respect for him and we have become great friends. When he called me right after the news of my challenge, Gino's closing words were, "Game On"! It inspired me, to the point I asked him if I could use that as my catch phrase! He laughed and said he was honored. Now each day I am inspired by the phrase "Game On."
So I say to all of you, "Thank you all again, for you support, your positive words and beliefs, "Game On!!"
See all of you soon!
-Dean
Even though the tumor was thought to be inoperable, it has been successfully removed and Dean is continuing his fight through radiation and chemotherapy.
Dixon, a former captain for the Lake Superior State University NCAA Division I hockey team, has been a vital member of the Lansing Capitals Midget program since their beginning in 2007. The Capitals have been apart of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) since its inception and Dean has coached multiple players that have gone on to be successful in the NAHL and NCAA ranks.
GLAHA is asking for $20 per person skating during the event, and with admission you also receive a t-shirt, with all proceeds going towards Dean’s medical expenses. In addition to the Skate-A-Thon, the NAPHL 16U and 18U teams will play in a scrimmage with an alumni game to follow. The event is being held at Suburban Ice East Lansing in East Lansing, Michigan.
If you are unable to attend but would like to help contribute to the cause, checks can be made out to: Lansing AAA Hockey Club and mailed to the following address:
Lansing AAA Hockey Club
c/o: Dixon Skate A Thon
2810 Hannah Boulevard, East Lansing, MI 48823
