The York University Lions men’s hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 24 against the Toronto Varsity Blues will double as Dahlgren’s Diabeauties and Diabetes Awareness Night.
Founded by Lions forward Kaleb Dahlgren, Dahlgren's Diabeauties is an advocacy program aimed at supporting children within the community and surrounding areas who live with Type 1 diabetes. Dahlgren's goal is to make sure children with diabetes are aware that they can pursue their dreams, and not let diabetes get in their way.
Dahlgren’s Diabeauties night will feature a meet-and-greet with Dahlgren before the game at 6 p.m. and an on-ice presentation with a ceremonial faceoff.
Lions forward Kaleb Dahlgren and some of the Dahlgren's Diabeauties
“I am looking forward to helping to bring awareness to all types of diabetes and shining a light on the positives that come with diabetes, even though it may be hard to see,” said Dahlgren. “This is a great opportunity to meet new people and discuss the way I treat my diabetes from an athlete’s perspective as well.
"I hope to make a positive impact in many people's lives, and change their perspectives about managing diabetes and not letting it manage you. Make sure to wear red in honour of diabetes and to help cheer on the York Lions."
Dahlgren's Diabeauties will recognize a child with Type 1 diabetes at Lions home games during the season. The "Diabeauty" will receive complimentary tickets to a game, participate in a ceremonial puck drop, take pictures with Dahlgren on the ice and meet him after the game.
"I’m also very excited to have another Diabeauty and honour them for the first time ever in Toronto," he said.
Dahlgren signed to come to York in May of this year, after playing with the Humboldt Broncos last season. He was involved in the tragic bus crash on April 6 that killed 16 people and left 13 people with injuries. He has not suited up in game action for the Lions yet, but has been working hard to overcome a number of serious injuries he sustained in the crash.
The forward had a career year with the Broncos last season. He was selected as an assistant captain by his teammates and went on to play in 48 games and finish sixth in team scoring with 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists). Prior to joining Humboldt, he spent two full seasons with the Notre Dame Hounds in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and served as an assistant captain for one of those seasons. Prior to that, he was with the Battleford Stars in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League, where he also served as an assistant captain for one year.
As part of the Diabeauties Night, anyone who donates online or at the game on Nov. 24 will be eligible for a 10-per-cent discount off of their meal at Wild Wing in Canlan Ice Sports. Proof of donations (email or screenshot) can be shown at the Lions ticketing table at the main doors to Rink 1 between 6 and 8 p.m. to receive the discount coupon to Wild Wing.
To find out more information about the event and to apply to become a Diabeauty, visit yorkulions.ca/Diabeauties.
To donate to the Dahlgren’s Diabeauties program, visit the Dahlgren’s Diabeauties donation page online.