Relay for Life high school game set for Jan. 7 in Grand Rapids to help benefit Dave Rue

On Saturday, January 7, the Grand Rapids hockey community will come together at Van Andel Arena to support two worthy causes.

At 12:30 pm that day, East Grand Rapids and Rockford will face off in the annual Grand Rapids Griffins High School Hockey Showcase. Later, at 7:00, the Griffins will take on the Rockford Ice Hogs in an AHL game.

The High School Hockey Showcase will take on extra significance this year. Working together with the American Cancer Society, the two schools are making the game a fundraiser for Relay for Life. For just $15, fans will get tickets to both the high school game and the Griffins game that night. A portion of the proceeds will go to Relay for Life.

Raising money to fight cancer has become an even more personal issue this year, as longtime local player, coach and referee Dave Rue has been battling the disease. Rue, who played for Western Michigan from 1980-83, has refereed numerous high school hockey games involving East Grand Rapids and Rockford over the years. A portion of the money raised at the High School Hockey Showcase will help Rue with his medical and financial needs.

Fans can purchase discounted tickets to the two games by visiting www.griffinshockey.com/promocode and entering the code “EGR” or “Rockford.” Student tickets to the high school game only will also be available at the door for only $10.

To read more about the hockey community’s response to Rue’s battle, click here.