A few months ago Police Athletic League Junior Islanders coach Mike Marcou, a former UMass-Amherst defenseman and veteran of nine combined seasons between the ECHL and AHL, was diagnosed with cancer. On Wednesday, his team, with the help of its biggest rival, the
Long Island Gulls
, will be holding a fundraiser to help defray the cost of his medical bills.
"It's a rivalry. They're the only two AAA teams in the area," Andy Rothstein, a member of the PAL Junior Islanders Board of Directors told NHL.com. "They don't play very often being in different conferences, but when this chance came about to do something to help Mike, everybody just jumped in."
The big tripleheader event, coined "The Battle for Bragging Rights" will be at the Northwell Health Ice Center on Wednesday. The National Collegiate Development Conference game is at 3 p.m., followed by the U16 game at 5:45 and U18 game at 8:30. The New York Islanders donated the practice facility ice time for the cause, Rothstein said.
Tickets are $10 at the door and half price for children wearing any kind of jersey. During the games there will be a silent auction, a ticketed auction, a 50/50 raffle and "Chuck-a-puck" games. Every cent raised will go directly to the Marcou family.
Items up for bid include autographed jerseys from Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and retired New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter.
"We've gotten so much great stuff to help with this fundraiser," Rothstein said. "We just want to raise as much money as we can for Mike, who is just a phenomenal coach and an incredible role model for these kids."
All throughout his chemotherapy, Marcou still attended games when possible and conducted meetings over Zoom with players when he physically could not be there in person.
"He has that level of commitment," Rothstein said. "That's the type of guy Mike is."
Famous Long Island restaurant Borelli's will handle the food for the event and donate a percentage of every sale to the cause.
Those who wish to donate can do so online. You can visit the event's
Hockey Fights Cancer Assist page
, and search "Islanders."
