Royals, Wolfpack Deliver a Proper 'CHECK'

The boys hockey team claimed a season sweep over Park with a 3-1 win on Saturday night at the .

However, the evening's most important result came before the contest began as the Royals and Wolfpack announced that they had raised a combined $3,015 for childhood cancer research.

The two squads have competed in a friendly off-ice competition to accumulate funds for CHECK (Coaches Helping Eliminate Cancer in Kids) for the past four seasons. Fans of both teams are encouraged to donate whatever they can in the days leading up to the contest between the two intra-district squads.

"We've given over $10,000 over the last four years," Woodbury coach Wes Bolin said. "That's the most in the state."

For the fourth year in a row, Woodbury raised the most funds—Bolin would not divulge the monetary split—meaning Park coach Jay Moser would have to wear a Royals jersey while coaching his team during the first period.

"Jay is a real good sport about that," Bolin said.

CHECK began as an effort by former Brainerd head coach and Eden Prairie assistant coach Ty Eigner, whose 4-year-old son Peter was diagnosed with cancer.

Fundraisers are held by teams throughout the state, though none has raised more than the joint Park-Woodbury effort since its inception.

"Our kids have been great in helping out with however much they can," Bolin said. "It's been a fun and good-natured competition between the schools and it's all for a great cause."

As far as the game itself was concerned, Woodbury improved to 12-10 on the year and 7-8 in Suburban East Conference play after scoring one goal in each period en route to the 3-1 win.

Evan Erickson scored twice for the Royals, while fellow forward Matt Pederson added one goal to the winning tally.

Zach Moore returned to man the Woodbury goal, making 27 saves after a long layoff due to a bout of mononucleosis. Moore missed out on the shutout after Park managed to solve the senior with just 43 seconds to play in the contest.

"I feel fortunate to beat Park," Bolin said. "I'm happy with the win; Park plays hard and Jay does a great job with that team."

Three games remain on the Woodbury schedule, beginning with a trip to Cottage Grove to play neighboring rival at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.