One local WHL player is using his platform to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

Caleb Wyrostok, a forward for the Swift Current Broncos, said the idea for the campaign sprouted late last year.

"I was talking with my mom for a while before that to what I could do, just due to the fact that I had so many people in my life affected by cancer," he explained. "My mom's been through it. My auntie's going through it right now. And then my grandpa and my minor hockey coach, also my best friend's dad--and unfortunately both passed away from it.

"There's been a very heavy presence in my life, and after seeing them go through that, I wanted to figure out what I could do to help. And that's the best thing I came up with."

caleb and his mum after the puck dropWyrostok and his mom on the ice for the puck drop (photo courtesy of Caleb Wyrostok)

The fundraiser goal was originally set at $2,500 when he launched it in November. It has since been bumped up numerous times, currently reaching almost $10,000.

Folks who would like to help are encouraged to pledge $20 for every goal Wyrostok scores, and $15 for every assist he makes this season. However, he added that any amount is appreciated and makes a difference. 

"It's been wild--I didn't really expect the level of support that I've gotten," he said. "It's been overwhelming."

Wyrostok's fundraiser is in its final two weeks and can be found here, where he shares his and his family's stories in-depth.