The Chicago Wolves are giving commemorative T-shirts to the first 2,500 fans and auctioning unique epilepsy-themed jerseys that include Hockey Hall of Famers Chris Chelios and Gordie Howe to highlight Epilepsy Awareness Night, presented by Heidenhain, on Saturday, Dec. 19.
The purple Epilepsy Awareness jerseys are inspired by the bond between Wolves general manager Wendell Young and his older son, Matthew, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013 at the age of 22. With the help of ever-improving medications and continual education about his condition, Matthew manages his health and continues to pursue his professional dreams as a cinematographer.
“He’s doing well,” Wendell Young said. “He’s on his third medication and things just keep getting better and better. It just proves the point that all of the contributions to the charities that fund studies and trials really do help.”
“We at Heidenhain are happy to support the Epilepsy Foundation on behalf of the Chicago Wolves and the Young family,” said Rick Korte, Heidenhain CEO, President and Managing Director. “We believe that together, as a community, we can make a difference. And we encourage all to come out to this Dec. 19 Wolves Epilepsy Awareness Night game to help in this cause, and participate in the exciting events planned.”
In honor of Wendell and Matthew’s strong relationship and to raise more funds and awareness, the Wolves designed specialty jerseys that celebrate several father-son combinations significant in the franchise’s history. They are available via a combined online and silent auction. Jersey proceeds benefit Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago and Chicago Wolves Charities.
Chris and Jake Chelios, the only father-and-son duo to play for the Wolves, each have autographed a personalized jersey. David Hanson, one of the celebrated Hanson Brothers from “Slap Shot,” and his son, Christian, a mainstay on the Wolves’ 2014 Midwest Division champions, each have an autographed jersey as well. Former Wolves assistant coach Marty Howe has signed a jersey and there’s also a jersey representing his father, the legendary Gordie Howe.
There are two Wendell Young jerseys available — one signed by the entire 2015-16 Wolves team and the other signed by Young — as well as autographed jerseys from team captain Pat Cannone and high-scoring right wing Ty Rattie.
All of these jerseys are available for online bidding through Friday, Dec. 18, at ChicagoWolves.com/Auctions. The final online bids will serve as the starting bids for the silent auction at the Wolves game on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Allstate Arena. The silent auction, which also will feature a team-autographed jersey with no nameplate or number, concludes at the end of second intermission.
Tickets for Epilepsy Awareness Night and other Wolves home games are available by calling 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visiting ChicagoWolves.com.
