Oli’s Eagles
Ice Hockey Team walks in support of their coach.
They throw on their jerseys. They light the lanterns. They cross the starting line.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, SMCHS Ice Hockey participated in the “Light the Night Walk” at Angel’s Stadium, a fundraising campaign of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). It is the nation’s night to commend and bring hope to thousands of people fighting blood cancers. The team walked in honor and support of the Olischefski family.
Coach Derrin Olischefski, father of players Ryan Olischefski (’15) and Dietrich Olischefski (’17), was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year.
According to Medical News Today, “Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the immune system. Specifically, the immune cells called lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).”
Both boys agree that their teams have been very supportive.
“In the locker room, they ask how he’s doing,” Dietrich said. “There are just a lot of great vibes.”
The support of the players, and the families behind them, was obvious which led to a brotherly atmosphere.
Ice Hockey poses with lanterns and banners before they start the “Night the Light Walk” at Angels Stadium.
“I was walking to support Ryan, his dad and his family because they’re like my extended family,” said senior forward Dante Saccacio. “It probably means a lot to his family to see everyone from our team out there in support and showing how we all can rally behind someone in a difficult time.”
Ryan thought it was great how many people participated in the walk.
“It was really nice to see people actually being there walking and seeing everybody’s support,” he said.
Coach Olischefski has had a significant impact on the players’ lives and has dedicated much of his time to their improvement as players and as people.
“Coach Oli has been really good to me,” said junior goalie Jack Hardwick. “He really spent a lot of time with the team. I felt like he really made an impact on my life.”
Only a week before the walk, the varsity and junior varsity ice hockey teams formed a group called “Oli’s Eagles.” With 107 walkers, they raised $2,820 for the LLS.
The varsity ice hockey team grabs pizza after their game, and before they head to Angels Stadium for the walk.
“We wanted to make sure he didn’t have the feeling that he was alone,” said junior forward Jonathon Skule. “I mean you could see how many people were there to support him.”
As the teams neared the end of the walk, they linked arm-in-arm and crossed the finish line together…the bond unbreakable.
