Rapid City Rush hosts special cancer awareness event

The Rapid City Rush hockey team held a special game on Saturday called Rush Fights Cancer. This event meant a lot to the team, as many players have faced cancer battles in the past year. Head coach Scott Burt took time off last December to treat a brain tumor. He returned to the team in February after treatment at the Mayo Clinic. Another big moment happened for player Maurizio Colella, whose mother, Maria, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last March. Fortunately, doctors found her cancer early, and she has since been cleared to travel. With Maurizio celebrating his birthday on Friday and his family visiting him for the game, it was a meaningful weekend. His family had not seen him play since his college days at Acadia University five years ago. Maurizio expressed pride in his mother's strength, saying, “She has been a fighter; that is who she is.” During the game, Maurizio played well and assisted on two goals, even though the Rush lost 4-3 to the Wichita Thunder. Maria was thrilled to see her son play, stating how excited she was to be there after getting the medical okay. The night also featured a special ceremony where Maria, Scott Burt, and Dr. Thomas Fulbright dropped the ceremonial puck together. Maurizio emphasized the importance of family and living each day fully, saying, “You never know what is going to happen.” The Rush Fights Cancer night was a memorable occasion for everyone involved.