Tampa Bay Lightning players host ‘Coop’s Catch for Kids’ fishing trip for pediatric cancer research
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The best part about this event isn’t the sunshine or the fishing, but the reason behind it all. The funds that are donated towards “Coops Catch for Kids” help with pediatric cancer research.
The players were paired with a family.
“I get to play a tiny part in helping find a cure for something that has devastated all of us in one way or another,” said Lightning head coach Jon Cooper.
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You may think the kids out on the boats are the lucky ones fishing with the Lightning players, but the Bolts will tell you otherwise.
“They’re the real fighters. We play hockey for a living, which is tough, but nothing compared to what these warriors go through,” said Lightning defenseman Victor Headman.
“I know I’m a hockey coach for an NHL team. My purpose outside of that is this,” said Cooper.
Coop’s Catch for Kids 🐠
The #Lightning join a handful of families to fish while raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Incredible. @WFLA @TBLightning pic.twitter.com/2eCruntB9i— Aileen Hnatiuk (@AileenHnatiuk) March 4, 2024
“It’s about raising awareness for the kids who are battling. The families who are battling, like I said, we are so proud of the NHL. The legacy of our sport just moves forward because everybody wants to help the kids who are struggling,” said Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
Weston Hermann is 17 years old. He was diagnosed with brain cancer a decade ago, but he still finds a way to win each day with the help of the Lightning players.
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“They’re so welcoming; it’s almost like they’re not actually who they are, just the way they care and accept you, it almost feels like you’re a part of the team,” said Coop’s Catch for Kids Participant Weston Hermann.
“To be able to see him smile in the impact they’ve made on him. They treat him like family,” said the father of Weston Hermann, Jared Hermann.
This is the sixth Coop’s Catch for Kids. The entire team joined the event and plans on doing so again next year.
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