UM Hockey supports coach’s wife with Pink Game to raise awareness for cancer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Friday’s men’s ice hockey game at the University of Michigan will be played with a purpose that goes far beyond the game itself.

That’s because the team will host its first Pink Game, honoring an assistant coach’s wife who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

As the hockey team practices for their game Friday against St. Cloud State University, they know this game is not just about securing a win, but also about standing for something bigger and more important.

“Coach Deschamps’ wife, Kelly, has been diagnosed with cancer,” said Jacob Truscott, the team’s captain. “He told us earlier and it was definitely a sad moment for all of us and for him too. It’s hard to see anyone have to go through that, but especially your coach and especially a guy who is always so positive.”

This is Matt Deschamps’ second year as an assistant coach. He said his wife went to the doctor in August for what was supposed to be a quick medical problem. In the end, that appointment lasted eight hours – and then they heard the news.

“We received a diagnosis that she had stage three inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer,” Deschamps said. “The news has kind of turned our world upside down.”

The players wanted to help, so they decided to join the UM staff in hosting a “pink game” to honor Kelly and everyone fighting breast cancer.

“My wife and kids will come out and I’ll throw the ceremonial puck with them, which I think will have a really big impact for all of us as a family,” Deschamps said.

The team will wear pink ribbons, wrap their sticks with pink tape and also educate fans about inflammatory breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.

“I think it will be difficult. I’ll keep it together,” Deschamps said. “You don’t want this diagnosis even for your worst enemy, and everyone is united in the fight against cancer. It was amazing to see how many people lined up behind us and were ready to fight with us. It was incredible.”

The Pink Game will be held at Yost Ice Arena on Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m., but the best way to help the Deschamps family is by providing financial support. There are travel costs, medical costs and therapies that are not covered by insurance.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family. You can donate here.