Julia ‘Hockey’ Mazur’s memory continues to live on in the Wilkes University community, and it’s no different for the men’s hockey team–a group that Mazur once called home.
A week after the Wilkes men’s and women’s basketball teams dedicated their contests in memory of Mazur, the men’s hockey team did the same.
Mazur, who was the equipment and social media manager for the team, as well as a writer for The Beacon, passed away in November 2023 following a battle with stage four metastatic melanoma. A life-long hockey fan, Mazur legally changed her middle name to reflect her favorite sport.
After her passing, Mazur’s mother, Carey and friends established the Julia ‘Hockey’ Mazur Foundation, which aims to support other patients fighting similar battles to the one Mazur fought herself.
Prior to the Wilkes men’s hockey game on Jan. 31 against Stevenson University, the Colonels honored Mazur with a ceremonial puck-drop, which Carey Mazur took part in, alongside Colonels captain Mason Vonk and Stevenson captain Blake Benson.
The Colonels grabbed the victory with a dominant effort in the third period, taking down the Mustangs, who came into the contest in first place in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC).
Two goals from Cam Lowe, as well as two-point nights from Patrick Roginski and Trevor Belak sealed the deal as the Colonels completed a weekend sweep of Lebanon Valley and Stevenson.
During the game, the foundation raffled off baskets and sold merchandise, with proceeds going directly back into the Kindness Crew.
One of many ways the foundation contributes to the community, the Kindness Crew supports those going through illness, and really anything in general that someone may need support in going through.
In the days leading up to the event, the men’s hockey team held a butterfly-making event in the Henry Student Center, where students and faculty could make butterflies, which were hung up around the lobby of the Toyota Sportsplex.
Butterflies have become an everlasting symbol of Mazur’s memory, and are the centerpiece of the foundation’s logo.
We here at The Beacon continue to be blessed by memories of Julia ‘Hockey’ Mazur, and her memory continues to live on inside and outside of the Wilkes University campus.
Those who are interested in learning more about the foundation, or who wish to donate to the cause can visit juliahockeymazurfoundation.com.
The men’s hockey team is back in action on Friday, Feb. 6 for an away matchup against Neumann University. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. in Aston, Pa.
