Weber State Notebook: WSU hockey holding fundraiser Friday; basketball fan night planned
Weber State’s club hockey team is holding a fundraiser at its game Friday against Utah.
The Wildcats will raise money for Hayden Gurman and his family. Gurman recently suffered life-threatening injuries while jogging in his neighborhood. WSU coaches and players planned the night after learning about Gurman, a husband and father who lives in Farmington.
The puck drops at 7:15 p.m. Friday at the Weber County Ice Sheet. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Gurman’s family.
A representative of WSU hockey said the team will have a cash donation box and a Venmo account for non-cash donations, and games outside the arena before the game and during game intermissions will help raise money as well.
BASKETBALL ‘NIGHT WITH WILDCATS’
Weber State announced it will host a “Night with the Wildcats” at the Dee Events Center for fans to meet both men’s and women’s basketball teams, and to view/upgrade/purchase tickets.
Admission is free to the event on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6-8 p.m.
Night with the Wildcats “will allow WSU fans to select, upgrade or view their seats for the upcoming season,” a news release from the school said. “The free event will also include an opportunity to meet the players and coaches for both teams, have a picture taken with players, a free throw shootout, and a chance to win Wildcat prizes.”
The event will give the best up-close opportunity to meet each team this season.
After 16 years as an assistant coach, Eric Duft is entering his first year as men’s basketball head coach. Dillon Jones and Zahir Porter lead a group of five returners, with four Division I transfers and four true freshmen joining the squad.
Velaida Harris enters her fifth season as women’s head coach after a year of marked improvement. Seniors Daryn Hickok, Jadyn Matthews and Emma Torbert return for their third season together to lead the Wildcats, along with senior wing Laura Taylor. Sophomore guard Taylin Smith joins the team after a season at UNLV.
The men’s season opens Nov. 2 with a home exhibition against Adams State. The WSU women begin their season Nov. 13 and first play at home Nov. 19 against Utah Valley.