Mini-minor lives up to its name
Blake Ellis and Submitted Photos
Hockey fans, players support friends battling cancer
December 3, 2025
The Independent
The Killer Bees and the team’s fans came through for four-year-old Archie Leitch and his parents, John and Janelle, of Alvinston during Hockey Fights Cancer Night.
A total of $17,892 was raised for the family during Hockey Fights Cancer Night Nov. 29.
Archie was just diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma on Sept. 25 after emergency surgery in London was conducted.
Believing the little boy was just experiencing some stomach issues and constipation, an MRI was conducted to reveal a tumour on his spine. This is what led to the emergency surgery.
“We are super fortunate to live in this community,” said Archie’s mom Janelle, previously to The Independent. “This means everything to us.”
The Killer Bees wore special jerseys on Saturday in honour of Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The Killer Bees dropped the game 5-2 against Strathroy, bringing their record to eight wins and two losses in the Northern Premier Hockey League.
The Killer Bees were not the only hockey team fighting cancer on Saturday. Just up the Nauvoo Road in Watford, the Under 15 teams of the Lambton Attack were hosting its own event to fight cancer to support Sherry Banks. She is a hockey mom and a board member of the Lambton Attack organization.
Two games took place each featuring the Under 15 Lambton Attack teams against the Sarnia Lady Sting.
The Lambton Attack Under 15 players also presented Banks with a quilt made by the girls which could help keep her warm during her treatments.
The Attack put a topper on the night by beating Sarnia 2-1 with Damien Wamsley allowing just one goal.
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