For the second year the Jasper Wolves hockey team is taking part in Movember in an effort to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer.

It may have been eight years ago but the loss of his grandfather to prostate cancer is still strong in Kent Paterson’s mind. He’s been playing for the wolves for the last three years and has helped the team to take part in Movember for the last two, when he first learned of the event.

The Movember Foundation is an Australian-based, not-for-profit organization that has beneficiary partners across the globe. In Canada funds raised support the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada. Once Paterson had found out about the event he thought it was a great idea and decided to get the Wolves involved.

“It’s kind of a team building thing too,” said Paterson. “Everybody growing moustaches and obviously it’s deep in my heart. It’s pretty easy getting the guys on board.” Paterson added he asked the other players to “take a look around this room and chances are that five of us are going to have prostate cancer” as a way to put things into perspective.

He said he hopes to raise awareness and remove the stigma associated with prostate exams. “It’s just one of those guy things that they don’t like to do or talk about that kind of thing. It’s the whole machoness behind it I guess,” said Paterson. “It’s just because how they check for prostate cancer is a little uncomfortable and guys are just scared to do it, but I just think it’s very important for guys to get checked. If you catch it early enough it’s a very treatable disease. That’s the big thing, just to make sure you stay on top of it, once you hit 40 you should be getting checked every year.”

The goal for the team is to raise $2,000 as they collected over $1,000 last year. The players are taking personal pledges as well as donations at their games. Paterson’s personal goal was $200, but says he’s almost reached his target so he’s sure he will pass it.

Donations are being accepted at Wolves home games. This weekend they play Saturday at 8:30 p.m. against Fox Creek and Sunday at 3:15 p.m. against Lamont, both at the Jasper Arena.