A fundraiser for a Hazelton resident who has recently been drafted to the Western Hockey League is coming up.
“Diamond In the Rough” Community Booster Fundraiser will be held at the Gitanmaax Hall to bring in money to help offset expenses as Patsey undertakes to further his hockey aspirations. A hockey scout referenced Joel as a “Diamond in the Rough.”
Joel received a congratulating call from Dan Hamuis of the Vancouver Canucks, partner-owner of the drafting club, after he was drafted May 1, 8th round, 159th overall, by the Prince George Cougars.
Patsey started playing hockey at the age of three for the Bulldogs of the Hazelton Minor Hockey League and went on to play for the Smithers Bantam Storm Rep team. This spring, he tried out for Team BC, after two rounds of tryouts, he was invited to the provincial camp in July. He is one of 14 top defenceman in B.C.
The event will be held on June 17, starting at 5 p.m.