TODD DAVISON

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TODD DAVISON Peacefully, with his family by his side, on Saturday, December 2, 2006, Todd Davison passed away. Todd was born in Winnipeg on September 30, 1986. He attended St. Alphonsus for his early education and graduated from St. Paul's High School in 2004. He was presently enrolled at the University of Manitoba and worked part time at Focus Fitness. He dedicated his evenings to the AAA Midget Thrashers as an Assistant Coach. Todd began playing hockey before he started school, trying to keep up with his older brothers. He started his hockey career at Gateway Community Club and played there until he was 10 years old. Early on, from his quick speed and agility, it was easy to see that he had tremendous talent, and was considered to be an elite player. At the age of 12, he went to Denmark with the North American Selects All Star Team. He played AAA hockey as an age-advanced player, and had some wonderful coaches who helped him develop his skills. By 13, he was named the Most Valuable Player in the league. By age 14, Todd was drafted by the Regina Pats organization of the WHL. At 15, he played for the AAA Sharks of the Manitoba Provincial Midget Hockey League and was named to the First Team All Stars at the Western Canada Regional Championship. At 16, he didn't expect to make the Regina Pats, but his skill, focus and hard work earned him a spot on the team enabling him to play alongside his brother Wade. That year he played on Team Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games, and was named Assistant Captain. In the fall of 2003, his path led him to play with the Lloydminster Blazers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Todd was always a fan favourite. He wasn't the biggest guy out there, but his passion for the game, his hockey smarts, skill and feistiness had everyone cheering him on. Comments from his billets, fans and coaches described Todd as a very polite, respectful young man, who they would be proud to call their own. To some of the fans, he was known as Itty Bitty - the guy who wasn't afraid to get into the corners with the bigger players. He knew how to get the job done, and set out to prove any doubters wrong. After his second season of junior hockey, his career was put aside to battle his biggest opponent yet, synovial sarcoma. He spent the next several months having surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments so that he could fight the cancer and return to hockey. In February of 2005, Todd finished his last radiation treatment in Toronto, flew home to Winnipeg, and was immediately off to Alberta to play his first game back with the Blazers. He scored two goals in that game. His season did not last long as Todd needed major surgery on his shoulder. He played his last game for the Blazers in Fort McMurray, Alberta on February 23, 2005. The surgery was a tough one, but Todd was tougher. Todd spent the next winter having more treatments that were scheduled around the two hockey teams he helped coach. Todd continued to battle his cancer with chemotherapy and another major surgery, this time to his lungs, in May 2006. Todd was deeply inspired by Lance Armstrong, believing that everyone was capable of making a difference in the world, and able to make the world a better place for someone else. Todd had a new vision. The Believe in the Goal' organization was formed, and the Sizzlin' Summer Showdown was held in August 2006. Todd's hockey friends came together to play hockey in support of the NeverAlone Foundation and CancerCare Manitoba. Players from the NHL, the AHL and the Canadian National Junior Hockey Team wowed the sold out crowd at the Selkirk Arena. It was an incredible evening that raised $50,000.00 thanks to the support of generous sponsors and fans. It was important to Todd to fulfill his commitment to the cure'. He did an amazing job! Over the past two and a half years, Todd's cancer gave him the opportunity to connect with many special people and have some incredible experiences. Thank you to Dr. Peter MacDonald, Todd's friend and one of his heros. Thank you to everyone who supported Todd. For those that supported the social, the Charity Hockey Game and helped make Todd's goals a reality, know that you were a huge part of his life. To Todd's friends, you were his world, thank you for sticking by him. Todd is survived by his mother Barb; father Bob; brothers, Joel and Wade; Michelle, John, Sarah, Carter, Blayne and Rosie. Todd was a precious grandson to Jack and Mary Davison and Tony and Pearl Cherniak. Also left to miss him are Aunt Donna and Uncle Mike Sutherland, cousins, Alison, Melanie, Mark and Nicola; Aunt Judi Cherniak and cousins, Braden and Tanner Ewchuk; Aunt Pat and Uncle Dave Korpesho and cousins, Falynn, Lindsay and Reid; Uncle Allan and Vanessa. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road (at Springfield Road), Winnipeg. We would like to thank the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church for graciously offering their church for the celebration of the Roman Catholic mass. Father Alan Fogarty, S.J., President of St. Paul's High School, will officiate. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to Believe in the Goal would be appreciated, in care of the Winnipeg Police Credit Union, 300 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P9. For those who wish, there will be a memory box available where written memories of Todd may be left for his family. We love you sweetheart KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2006