Christians returning for fundraiser

Jeff Christian, whose courage and skills both on and off the ice helped the first-year Missouri Mavericks reach the Central Hockey League playoffs last season, will be back in town Saturday.

And he and his family would like to say hello and thank you to the countless individuals who have played a role in the treatment of his 8-year-old daughter Ryan, who is undergoing chemotherapy and treatment for cancer at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

“We can’t wait to get back in town,” Christian said in a recent telephone conversation from his daughter’s hospital room, where she was recovering from her seventh round of chemo.

“Ryan really wants to get back and say hi to her friends, and (wife) Dorie and I have a lot of people to thank. We’ve had guys on the team live in our house and take care of it, we’ve had so many people send gifts to Ryan – and believe me, we appreciate everything everyone has done.”

The Christians, along with Mavericks teammates Derek Pallardy, Simon Watson and Brett Hammond, will be a part of the first Ryan Christian Love Fund Bowling Tournament from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Lunar Bowl (2001 NW Seven Highway) in Blue Springs.

A team of six bowlers can enter for $200 and individuals can enter for $50. Even if you aren’t planning on bowling, you can attend for $20 and take part in a meal catered by the Rib Crib, receive two free beverage tickets and take part in a silent auction that will include items signed by the Mavericks, the Kansas City Royals, Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby and Albert Pujols.

The tournament is still looking for lane sponsors. Cost is $350 with a team or $200 without a team. Call Samantha at 832-392-0552 for more information on sponsorship.

“We still have some individual openings and some team openings, so we just need to get the word out,” said Watson, who recently resigned with the Mavericks for the 2010-11 season.

“We’ve kept in touch with Jeff, and we’re all so excited about seeing him, Dorie and Ryan. And they’re excited – you can just tell it by the sound of his voice.”

And here’s a little insight for true Mavs fans, this weekend is Christian’s birthday – the big 4-0!

“We’re having the tournament from 4 to 7 p.m. because we want it to have a family atmosphere,” Jeff Christian said. “I know my wife and I have been passing out pamphlets in our neighborhood and we’d like to get as many of Ryan’s friends there as possible.

“She’s really looking forward to seeing the kids from the neighborhood.”

The tournament is a collaboration between Watson, who came up with the idea, his teammates and the Mavericks.

“We talked about a golf tournament, but not everyone plays golf,” Watson said. “Then we thought about a night of bowling. Heck, everyone can throw a rock down the lanes – adults and kids – and we’re going to have an auction where you can bid to have a Maverick player on your team.

“And I hear Derek Pallardy is a great bowler.”

It’s going to be great to see Christian and his family. During the Mavericks dramatic run to the playoffs, the team assistant coach and captain paid his own way to and from Memphis so he could be with his teammates.

Now, he and his family are facing their biggest challenge, and in true Christian fashion, they are coming out on top.

“We’re going to beat this thing,” Christian said. “Ryan is so strong, such a little champion. We get strength from her.”

And you can help their financial plight by dropping by Lunar Bowl, lacing up some bowling shoes – instead of ice skates – and having some fun along with the Christians and your Mavericks hosts.

“I guarantee everyone is going to have a great time,” Watson said. “It’s going to be like a big welcome home party.”

For more information log onto www.missourimavericks.com.