Get-Well-Soon Smoothie Fundraiser

Hi, our names are Brandon and Corey Koop. We've been involved in officiating hockey since our early teens and have developed lifelong friendships through this world.

Unfortunately, a member of this family lived through every official's worst nightmare.

On November 19th, Mike McGowan was lining a CIS game between the Calgary Dinos and TWU in Surrey, BC.

Shortly after the opening puck drop, this nightmare became a reality for Mike.

With the puck being carried over centre, it was dumped in on Mike’s side of the ice. Unfortunately, the shot caught him directly on the side of the jaw at full speed. Mike, being the tough SOB that he is, managed to stay on his feet and get himself to the tunnel.

While the extent of the damage wasn’t apparent at first, it was easy to see it wasn’t good. With some of his teeth on the ice and a trail of blood to the locker room, it wouldn’t be until he got to the hospital that the rest of the damage would come to light.

A CT scan would reveal multiple fractures to his jaw requiring emergency surgery the following morning, and the beginning of a long road to recovery.

As anyone who knows Mike knows that he lives at the arena. Officiating almost every day from minor hockey games at the local rink, all the way up to the AHL, Mike earns his living officiating the game he loves.

While the recovery time remains to be seen, we know it will be months before Mike is able to return to the ice.

If anyone has some spare change or a couple of bucks to donate, we’d love to put together a care package for Mike as the next couple of months will be nothing but smoothies and books.

Mike has a passion for fitness and recently received his personal training certification, so we’d love to provide some material for him to further his education. He already has a high-powered blender, so stocking his freezer with a variety of smoothie-friendly meal options would be amazing.

While we know he’ll find a way to get back on the ice sooner than the average joe, a cage and an electronic whistle will help this happen a little bit faster!

Thanks for taking the time to read and we appreciate all your support!