The Oshawa FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, and Las Vegas Desert Dogs will compete in the second annual Tucker Out Lymphoma Cup, celebrating the life and legacy of Tucker Williams and his 11-month battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma.
Tucker, who passed away in 2014 at the age of eight, was the son of Desert Dogs head coach and GM Shawn Williams and younger brother of FireWolves forward Dyson Williams.
“This cup is a huge honor for our family,” Shawn Williams said. “Tucker’s legacy continues to inspire, and we are so grateful for the support in raising awareness and making a difference.”
Tucker’s story is one of courage and resilience. Diagnosed in January 2014, he underwent surgery at Sick Kids Hospital to remove a tumor and immediately began chemotherapy. Remarkably, he returned to the lacrosse floor within months, helping lead his team to two tournament titles even as the cancer spread to multiple organs. He passed away on December 17, 2014.
Tucker’s legacy is also remembered through the Braver Than Brave lacrosse tournament, raising funds for pediatric lymphoma research at Sick Kids, and now through the Tucker Out Lymphoma Cup series, which builds on the original Tucker Out Lymphoma Night started by the Buffalo Bandits in 2014.
Dyson Williams said, “It’s always emotional, but once the whistle blows, it’s time to represent Tucker and play as hard as we can.”
The Tucker Out Lymphoma Cup schedule:
- January 3: Las Vegas visits Buffalo
- January 31: Vegas hosts Oshawa
- April 18: FireWolves host Buffalo
Bandits senior director Scott Loffler added, “Even though he’s no longer with us, his spirit and message live on through these games and this cup – be braver than brave, and live more, laugh more, love more
Photo Credits : Insauga
