Friends of James Cocke, the Bowden Atom Blades hockey coach who lost his life in a car accident earlier this year, are hosting a fundraiser this weekend to support his young family.
The James Cocke Family Benefit will be held on Saturday evening at the Bowden Rodeo Grounds and will feature both a silent and live auction, games for children, beef on a bun and hot dogs. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the auction scheduled to start around 7 p.m.
Cocke passed away in February after a car accident in Saskatchewan, leaving behind his wife and three young children. His death came at the mid-point of the season. After a team meeting, the players voted to play on for their coach – posting a 19-0-1 record en route to winning the West County Minor Hockey League title with an 8-6 win over Rocky Mountain House 1.
“They were troopers,” said parent Teresa Sahli.
Sahli was the team manager at the time of Cocke’s death, and her children were best friends and teammates of Cocke’s kids.
“They wanted to continue and play for James.”
Sahli, Shannon Belton and four other community members began planning the fundraiser at the end of April as a way to raise money to cover the future athletic and educational pursuits of Cocke’s children.
They both said Cocke’s passing was a significant blow to the community and the team.
“It’s a huge loss,” said Sahli. “He touched everybody in some way.”
Sahli and Belton encouraged community members to attend the event. The ATB Financial branch in Bowden is also accepting donations on behalf of the family.
Anyone interested in making a donation or volunteering at the event can contact Belton at (403) 224-2178 or Sahli at (403) 224-3970.
A Facebook page, James Cocke Family Benefit, has been set up with information about the event.
While the event is a fundraiser, it is also designed as a show of support for the family.
“Yes we’re raising money,” Belton said. “But to me it’s a matter of showing his loved ones that as a community and as friends we are there for them.”
