18 July 2022

Purple fundraiser set to raise the roof as Brave takes on rival Northstars

| Katrina Condie
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Canberra Brave wearing purple

The Canberra Brave ice hockey players will don their purple Anytime Fitness jerseys for a cancer fundraising clash against Newcastle. Photo: Scott Stevenson.

The newest member of the Canberra Brave will hit the ice with teammates wearing their purple Anytime Fitness jerseys to take on the Newcastle Northstars.

A huge turn-out of ice hockey fans is expected to invade the Brave Cave for the purple jersey take-over clash on 23 July, a fundraiser for Hockey Fights Cancer.

Brave general manager Steve Moeller says the team is excited to welcome defenceman Garret Cockerill from the ECHL Reading Royals in the United States ahead of the top-of-the-table match.

“Import players really lift the spirits of the team and Cockerill will certainly boost our team’s defence,” he says.

“Both teams are at the top of the table, so we can expect a very tough, very physical game at home in the Brave Cave.”

Newcastle currently sits in top spot, with Canberra second on the ladder.

Following a COVID lull, Moeller expects the fundraising game to fill the grandstands as Canberrans “love to support a bloody good cause”.

“The guys are really looking forward to a huge game, and at the same time raising money to help fight cancer,” he says.

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“The players will sign their purple jerseys and they’ll be auctioned online after the game. So it’s a great opportunity for the community to get involved.

“In the past, our online jersey auctions have raised significant amounts for various charitable organisations – and we hope to continue this trend well into the future.”

Moeller says the major sponsorship of Anytime Fitness Canberra and Queanbeyan since 2016 continues to be invaluable to the team and players who are proud to be donning purple for a cause.

“Anytime Fitness has been here since day one and is back onboard as our official fitness partner for 2022,” he says.

“We thank them for keeping our boys strong off the ice so that they can compete on it.”

Brave versus Northstars

The Canberra Brave will take on the Newcastle Northstars in a top-of-the-table clash on 23 July. Photo: AIHL AK Hockey Shots.

Alex Zeitlhofer from Anytime Fitness is pleased to be supporting the Hockey Fights Cancer charity match.

“It’s a great opportunity to see the guys change their uniforms and go back to purple, and also a chance for fans to get their hands on signed `merch’ and gear from the players,” he says.

“It’s going to be cold in the cave, but the boys will definitely bring the heat.”

Multi-Site Anytime Fitness Clubs director Lorena Kanellopoulos says Anytime Fitness is proud to be part of the Brave family.

“We are committed to support and grow this premier game, ice hockey,” she says.

“We value this partnership and this is why we continue to sponsor the team. Anytime Fitness and the Brave are driven to succeed through inspiration, passion and dedication.”

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Moeller says more and more Canberrans are being attracted by one of the world’s fastest team sports – and support continues to grow for the local team making its mark on the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL).

“It’s an exciting game to watch, with players on the go all the time,” he says.

“We want a full house for this game against Newcastle leading up to finals. We’re on the downhill run and they’re going to be the team to beat for us.

“If you’ve never seen an ice hockey game, come and check it out. Bring the family and I guarantee you’ll be hooked.

“The cave will be pumping, especially if the Brave are winning.”

Tickets are on sale now for the Canberra Brave fundraiser and all home games at the Phillip Ice Skating Centre.

Brave players are supported with free memberships and access to 16 Anytime Fitness clubs across the ACT and Queanbeyan, providing them with state-of-the-art training facilities, personalised programs and guidance.

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