The Owen Sound Attack, in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society is pleased to announce that the 2nd annual Bears in Blue raised an impressive $31,000 for prostate cancer research. Since 2008 The Canadian Cancer Society has been partnering with the Attack on initiatives to raise awareness for cancer with a grand total of $185,923.95 being raised for various cancer programs, services and research.

Local Radio Host, Attack Play by Play man and PA Announcer, Fred Wallace was named Honorary Chair of the event and shared his journey with prostate cancer giving hope to other men going thru the same experience. Proceeds from the event are designated to prostate cancer research and to help local patients with programs and services.

"We cannot thank Fred enough for lending his time, his name and his story to the Bears in Blue event.", said Brent Fisher, Attack Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "Our relationship with the Canadian Cancer Society is very special and we are very happy to partner with an organization that lends help to so many."

Bears in Blue in partnership with The Owen Sound Attack has given local residents access to information, an opportunity to help raise funds and to take part in a fun interactive event. Attack players wore blue jersey's that were auctioned off by MPP Bill Walker after the game with over 85 bidders and fans taking part. Damir Sharipzyanov's game worn Bears in Blue jersey fetched the highest mark at $1500.00. The Bears in Blue Jersey's were paid for by Barry Kruisselbrink of Barry's Construction, meaning 100% of the auction proceeds would be returned to the Canadian Cancer Society, so a special Thank You goes out to Barry and his staff at Barry's Construction.

This year's event featured Official Bears in Blue toques that went on sale in early February that offered up a chance to Shoot to Win on game night for a $500 gift certificate to DC Taylor Jewelers given away by Creighton Taylor. Our big winner this year was Louise Gould.

The Canadian Cancer Society would like to thank all of the Attack fans for their ongoing support with our initiatives. A special thanks to our sponsors; Bayshore Broadcasting, SBP Custom Embroidery, Stow It Self Storage, RBC, Mister Transmission, Memorable Designs, DC Taylor, Rogers TV, Boston Pizza and Troy Life Fire Safety. A special thank you to Fred Wallace, The Owen Sound Attack, our local hockey teams, The Owen Sound Fire Department and our volunteers. Without the help all these amazing people coming together events such as this wouldn't happen! Thank you!

Several NHL jerseys were also auctioned to aid in the fundraising efforts of the Do it For Doczy campaign, raising just over $4000.00. A special thank you goes out to all the NHL Teams that donated jersey's, the Oshawa Generals and the Erie Otters, in particular Connor McDavid who stuck around to auction off an autographed sweater and pose for a picture with the winning bidder. McDavid's jersey fetched $1600.00.

The Do it for Doczy campaign was a crowd funding campaign designed to assist former Attack player Milan Doczy in his battle against Melanoma. A separate release will come in the near future regarding the resounding success of the campaign, however; Milan did want to share these words.

"Looking back to when I was playing for the Owen Sound Attack, I have nothing but great memories of the endless support from the hockey community that our team received every night. Playing for the Attack was a tremendous experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am anxious to start my treatment, but I know that many people in Owen Sound will be thinking of me. I am thankful for the great relationships that I have developed in Owen Sound over the years, and I will never forget how incredibly lucky I was for getting the opportunity to start my journey in such a great town."

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that men over the age of 50 talk to their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer testing. Men at higher risk for prostate cancer because of family history or those of African ancestry should discuss the need for testing at an earlier age with their healthcare provider.

In addition to funding world-class cancer research, the Canadian Cancer Society fights back against the disease by advocating on cancer-related issues, leading cancer prevention initiatives and offering information and community support services for cancer patients and their families. We fight prostate cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer from ever happening in the first place. As part of our mission work, we inform men about early detection of the disease.

If you know someone who is living with prostate cancer, either as a patient or caregiver be sure to tell them about our free information and support services. For more information call 1 888 939-3333 or visit cancer.ca