Raiders reach out to support longtime fan

Following consultations with cardiologists, doctors informed the family his likelihood of surviving surgery was grim and to appreciate the limited time left with him.

Wendy Sundbo said through the process, Justin had one concern and that was whether he could go to the next Raider game.

While he was in hospital, Justin was able to stream games but what the family didn’t know was the Raiders lined up a special treat for this super fan.

Marc Habscheid paying a visit to Justin Beaton at the Victoria Hospital. (Submitted Photo/ Wendy Sundbo)

Working on a tip from a member of the Raider’s support staff, who’d recently been in hospital, Head Coach Marc Habscheid paid Justin a visit.

“Justin was so excited. He couldn’t figure out why the coach was there,” Sundbo said. “It was so heartfelt. Here’s a kid, whose favourite thing in the world is to go to a Raider game. He knows the players; he knows the coach. I couldn’t believe they took the time to do this,” Sundbo said.

The organization didn’t stop there. They invited Justin to Thursday’s practice, which included a group photo with the team, and time for a one-on-one conversation with his favourite player.

“Justin couldn’t believe it. He was just so happy that he got to see his favourite Raider. Justin has two favourite Raiders. One is Leon Draisaitl, the other is Zach Hayes,” Sundbo explained.

Speaking ahead of Friday night’s game, Hayes said it was a special experience and important to lift up fans like Justin.

“We’d heard that he really wanted to make it to next Raider game. Habby (Marc Habscheid) went to meet with him. The team reached out to see how he was doing a few days later and he was doing well enough that we decided to make his day. Invite him out to practice, take some photos, meet the boys and come out onto the ice,” Hayes told paNOW.

Hayes was impressed with the dedication Justin has shown to the team through the good times and bad.

“It’s crazy how long some fans have been season ticket holders and fans of the team. It goes longer than I’ve been alive,” he noted. “He was probably here every game my first year when we weren’t very good to last year, when we won the championship.”

Despite it being the busiest week in the team’s WHL schedule with seven games in 10 days, Habscheid noted the importance of taking time for something bigger than the game.

“It puts things into perspective. It’s an important game tonight (Friday) but life is more important. We’re a small community, everyone is part of the team, everyone is important,” Habscheid told paNOW.

Justin Beaton posing with the team during the Raider’s Thursday practice. (submitted photo/ Wendy Sundbo)

Wendy Sundbo said the outreach meant the world to her brother and the family.

“To see this happen for him, just makes your heart grow, it fills your heart with gratitude and love for the organization,” Sundbo said.

For fans attending Friday’s home game versus the Brandon Wheat Kings, keep an eye on section 20, Row 2. You may see a face familiar face cheering the Raiders onto victory.

-With files from Trevor Redden

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ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni

by Ronald Quaroni

Raiders reach out to support longtime fan

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