Medicine Hat Mavericks bring back Superhero Night to raise funds for Alberta Children’s Hospital

“[The] following year, Superhero Night was born.”

Rooney said Mavericks owner Greg Morrison suggested creating the annual event as a way to honour Dominic while supporting the family’s fundraising efforts for the Alberta Children’s Hospital through the #Dominicstrong initiative.

This year’s fundraiser will feature a limited-edition superhero-themed hat, as Rooney said the decision was made to provide a lower-cost option for fans who want to contribute.

Each $30 hat sold during Superhero Night will provide a $10 donation to support programs and services for young patients at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

“The jerseys are charging a hundred bucks. Thirty bucks from the jersey was going to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, but not everybody can afford that,” Rooney said.

“Hopefully we can sell a whole ton of these hats.”

The hat features the Mavericks’ superhero-style “MH” logo on the front and the Dominic Strong thumbs-up symbol on the back.

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(Image Credit: Colton McKee)

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Rooney said the thumbs-up has become the symbol of the Dominic Strong initiative.

“He always used the thumb, thumbs up to let us know he was doing okay,” Rooney said.

The superhero theme also reflects the strength shown by children facing serious illnesses.

“Dom was a superhero, and all these kids who go through so much, getting taken care of at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, they’re heroes too,” Rooney said.

“We look to support them that way.”

As part of the game, six-year-old Liam, who has undergone treatment for a severe form of epilepsy, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“We find somebody who’s been treated at the hospital every year,” Rooney said.

“Kids that age, they’re so resilient. They’ve got so much bravery, and so he’s going to throw out our first pitch.”

Rooney said the annual game is the first of three major Dominic Strong fundraisers each year, alongside a fall online auction and a 24 to 25-hour gaming marathon.

He said the community’s continued support has helped the family honour Dominic’s memory while helping other families facing similar challenges.

“We’re so blessed to have such a great community that supported us,” Rooney said.

“This is how Trish and I say, we raise a child who’s no longer with us,” he added.

“It’s great to have the community support for that, and how we help out other kids in the community who need that help as well.”

The starting pitch for the game at Athletic Park is set for 6:45 p.m.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Mavericks bring back Superhero Night to raise funds for Alberta Children’s Hospital

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