The Colorado Eagles gave a fellow group of fighters their chance to celebrate victory as they hosted a team of cancer survivors from UCHealth along with their friends and families, many having faced the same battle.

The event took place June 25, shortly after the Eagles wrapped up yet another ECHL Championship, accomplishing their goal to “Defend the Cup.” The team chose to share the love with the other winners of Colorado, popping bottles once again with some of their biggest fans.

Taking place in the locker room of the Colorado Avalanche affiliate, the patients were treated to a champagne celebration with goggles and Kelly Cup t-shirts adoring each of them. The celebration only furthered the support of the Eagles towards the patients of UCHealth, working alongside their visits to the center during the season.

The team also gave the patients the opportunity during the year to ride their Zamboni and drop the ceremonial puck on the annual Hockey Fights Cancer games.

“Improving lives for our patients goes beyond the clinical setting,” said Kevin Unger, president and CEO of the UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in a statement on their website. “This unique opportunity with the Eagles honors the milestones our cancer survivors have reach with an exuberant celebration designed to recognize victory.”

The event served as the final celebration for the back-to-back league champions, with their next big date coming in the form of their training camp that will be held in Fort Collins as opposed to the usual Denver setting this year, with the cemented dates to be announced.  

 Luke Zahlmann can be reached at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @lukezahlmann.