‘Seems like my mother was within the constructing’: For this Moosehead, Combat Most cancers Evening is private

For the second straight season on the Halifax Mooseheads’ annual Combat Most cancers Evening, Braeden MacPhee has discovered a solution to honour his late mother.

MacPhee’s mother, Jolene Conway, died of most cancers in April 2023 on the age of 46.

MacPhee, a 20-year-old ahead from Moncton, N.B., scored his workforce’s first purpose on Saturday night time on the way in which to a 2-1 comeback win over the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

“It just kinda has some relief off the shoulders and it feels like my mom was in the building with me, which is always really special,” he stated.

MacPhee additionally scored ultimately season’s Combat Most cancers Evening sport.

MacPhee is proven in an undated photograph along with his mom, Jolene Conway. Conway, 46, died of most cancers in 2023. (Braeden MacPhee)

The most cancers night time video games increase funds and consciousness for all sorts of most cancers, and the purple jerseys gamers put on for the night time are auctioned off.

Halifax Mooseheads goalie Jacob Steinman, 20, joined the workforce final month in a commerce. He stated that whereas he’s nonetheless attending to know his teammates, he knew what the sport meant to MacPhee.

“I know this night means the most, [it’s] the biggest thing to him,” stated Steinman. “And just for him to score was just unbelievable to watch and especially just to win.”

The Mooseheads had a gradual begin, solely getting their first shot on internet about quarter-hour into the primary interval.

The workforce was trailing 1-0 till MacPhee’s purpose with about one minute left within the second interval gave the workforce a spark.

MacPhee was named the primary star of the sport, incomes a rousing ovation from an introduced crowd of 8,300.

His mom solely informed him and his youthful brother about her most cancers analysis a few months earlier than her dying. She wished them to deal with sports activities.

MacPhee was named the primary star of the sport. He signed a puck for a fortunate fan as a part of his duties. (Trevor MacMillan/Halifax Mooseheads)

Her obituary famous Conway’s ardour for her youngsters’ sporting actions.

“She had a kind and generous heart and was always willing to help others,” it stated. “Her positive outlook on life and infectious smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”

MacPhee stated his mother all the time informed him to take a look at the brilliant facet of issues.

“It’s a missing part of my life, but she would want me to keep working hard, keep chasing after my dreams,” he stated. “And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.”