Lloydminster, AB – The Lloydminster Bobcats will be wearing a specialty jersey this season designed by local students as part of the Richardson Jewelry Design a jersey contest, which has become an annual community engagement. This season the jersey auction will benefit two local youth on their journey to overcome cancer, proceeds will go to the families of Brave Ben and Kourageous Kolbie! The proceeds will be split between the families and help offset the expenses they’ve had on the journey.
The specialty jersey will be worn in October and November which the exact dates will be announced in the coming days. “As a community organization we believe it is our civil duty to give back to the community which gives our players an opportunity to chase their dreams. Lloydminster is a small town, and we want to help Brave Ben and Kourageous Kolbie feel like they have a team behind them in their journey, we want to support them and help however we can in their journey, strength is always better in numbers!” explained Bobcats General Manager Nigel Dube.
Last season the Bobcats were able to help the Walker family, but it turned into the Bobcats organization learning more than giving, “our players were able to hear their story, learn more about it, and talk about it. They Walker family did a great job in educating people but also being open to it, which lead to more people reaching out to them in the similar situations and having that support, strength by numbers” added Dube.
In communication with the two wonderful families, we can share their journey for Brave Ben andKourageous Kolbie below.
A change to the format this year, a donation of $500 will secure the donor’s choice in the jersey number, 30 jerseys will be made for the benefit, if a jersey does not have a donation by fall, they will then go to a Facebook auction with a minimum bid being $150. If you would like to donate today and pick your jersey number, please email admin@lloydminsterbobcats.ca
Meet Brave Ben!
Three-year-old Ben Ursaki is one tough little guy! Just before his third birthday, Ben was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Since then, he’s been facing cancer head-on with incredible courage, going through treatments in both Edmonton and Calgary.
Through it all, Ben keeps smiling, spreading joy, and brightening the days of everyone he meets. He loves being outside, playing ball, trying new sports, and zooming around with his toy cars.
This season, Ben can’t wait to cheer on the Bobcats and be part of such a special event. His strength and positivity remind us all what it truly means to be brave.
Kourageous Kolbie
Kolbie’s journey began in April, 2023 when it was noticed that there were some changes happening with her health. After a lengthy referral process and an admission to Jim Pattison Childrens Hospital (JPCH) on Boxing Day, 2023 for testing, It was discovered Kolbie developed Diabetes Insipidus, meaning her body did not have the ability to balance fluids properly. From an MRI, it was discovered that Kolbie had a thickening on her Pituitary Stalk which was affecting her hormones resulting in this diagnosis.
The entire year of 2024 consisted of traveling to JPCH every 3 months and monitoring with PET scans, MRI’s, Lumbar Punctures, countless blood work and miscellaneous tests.
On March 14, 2025, the family received the devastating news that a tumour in her pituitary stalk had shown up on the latest MRI and it had already destroyed some of her other hormones. Within days they were meeting with the neurosurgeon to discuss a biopsy of the tumour. Brain surgery for the biopsy took place shortly after and it was confirmed that the tumour was cancerous. Kolbie had yet another Surgery for a port for chemotherapy with her first of 4 cycles to start the following day.
As of today, Kolbie has received 3 cycles of chemotherapy with 1 more to go, to be followed by several weeks of radiation to take place at JPCH or alternatively, the United States if the doctors determine that is the best course for treatment.
To say that Kolbie has been a brave girl through all of this is an understatement. At her young age, she has had and abundance of tests including:
6 MRI’s
4 Lumbar Punctures
4 PET scans
2 surgeries
3 rounds of chemotherapy
18 nights and many hours spent in the hospital, multiple Xrays, dentist appointments, eye appointments, hearing tests, ultrasounds, IV’s, needles, and endless bloodwork.
Still she stands bravely smiling and ready to tackle whatever is thrown her way. Kolbie has the best team of doctors and nurses at the JPCH in her corner and an abundance of support standing in her corner as she continues on her journey.
The family encourages anyone going through a similar battle to please reach out for support.
| Jersey Number: | Donation by: |
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | Madi & McKenna |
| 4 | Amy F. |
| 5 | |
| 6 | CSN Darv’s |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | St. Josephs |
| 11 | CSN Darv’s |
| 12 | Cal and Mary |
| 14 | |
| 15 | |
| 17 | |
| 18 | |
| 19 | |
| 20 | |
| 21 | Sawyer Mann |
| 22 | |
| 23 | |
| 24 | |
| 25 | |
| 26 | |
| 27 | |
| 28 | |
| 29 | Makichuk Family |
| 30 | |
| 35 | |
| 97 | St Mary’s |
Email admin@lloydminsterbobcats.ca if interested!
The 2025 Specialty Jersey design will be announced at a later date.
The Bobcats have been proud to be able to give back to the Border City with the 2024 Jersey Benefit, Buzz the Bobcats, Family Fun Walk & Run along with many other community initiatives.
#BorderCityBuilt
