Despite his best intentions, one of the new Colts was benched from blood donation.
On Wednesday, Derek Sweeney, 18, forward for the new Mike Jackson Collingwood Colts, attended the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63 in Collingwood to donate blood for the very first time at their clinic, but due to his intensive training and game schedule, was advised to not donate.
“I couldn’t donate because I’m playing tomorrow,” said Sweeney, with a laugh.
During yesterday's blood donor clinic, Collingwood Colts players did encourage other donors, sign autographs, and take photos with fans.
Playing for the Collingwood Colts is a legacy role for Sweeney, who currently lives in Elmvale. Many years ago, he said his uncle played for the Collingwood Blues.
“I’m a local guy, my parents are from Collingwood,” said Sweeney. “To play where my uncle played – it’s an honour.”
As he couldn’t donate on Wednesday, Sweeney and the team have opted to switch gears and plan a team donation event at a future date.Looking toward the season ahead, Sweeney is optimistic.
“I think we’ll have a competitive team. Management did a good job,” he said.
The intended donation was part of the Hockey Gives Blood initiative, which sees hockey players from all levels come together to give blood.
“We are thrilled that the new Collingwood Colts are a supporting team of Hockey Gives Blood,” said Elaine St. Pierre, territory manager for Canadian Blood Services serving Simcoe, Muskoka, Dufferin and Grey counties.
“Having their support at a time when they launch the team, knowing how busy they are getting everything ready, really speaks to their level of commitment to the community,” she added.
For more information on the Hockey Gives Blood program, click here.
