Rustyn Paul has been the recipient of some small-town hockey kindness.

During The Colts Classic tournament this past weekend, Rustyn Paul and her family were set to receive the proceeds from the 50/50. The total ended up being $3,415, with an even split of $1,707.50 going to both the Pauls and the owner of the winning ticket. 

However, that's not quite what ended up happening. After the winning ticket number was called, it was revealed that the U13 Davidson Huskies had the winning number. The team had come together and spent over $300 on tickets, with the intention to give $1,000 of their winnings to Rustyn. 

For Ashlyn Paul, Rustyn's mother, this kind gesture was as uplifting as it was generous. 

"I was absolutely honoured that they would consider us for something like that," said Paul. "The hockey family has shown us that no matter what, no matter the situation, we all stand together and they're with us no matter what."

Rustyn is currently fighting t-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was diagnosed last May when she was being checked for a cough. A tumour was found on her lung, which led to her diagnosis. 

Rustyn is on a U7 team in Swift Current but has been unable to participate as much as she would like. This showing of support, not only from the tournament organizers inviting her to be the 50/50 beneficiary but also from the girls on the U13 Davidson Huskies, has renewed the Pauls' belief that hockey is good for families. 

That wasn't the end of the charitable spirit at the tournament. Paul also revealed that other teams contributed to the donations, bringing the total close to $3,500.

"Rustyn is just tickled to think that somebody that doesn't even know her would think of her and would support her in that way," said Paul. "It was a pretty emotional weekend."

The U13 Davidson Huskies are the communities first first-ever women's team. They were able to spend time with the Swift Current U18 AAA Wildcats and got to participate in their on-ice warm-ups.

 

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