Community Rallies for a Coach
The Decatur Civic Center became the backdrop for an unprecedented series of six charity hockey games last weekend, each staged to support Zac Pearson, the longtime coach of the Decatur Blaze 18U program.
Pearson, a familiar face on the local rink for decades, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, prompting an outpouring of solidarity from players, families and fans across the Midwest.
The nonprofit organization Never Far From Home, known for its work with families facing medical crises, coordinated the fundraiser, arranging a silent auction that ran until 11 p.m. on Saturday.
The auction featured a curated selection of sports memorabilia, including items from co‑founder Jennifer Simpson’s personal collection, as well as Chicago‑ and St. Louis‑specific artifacts sourced from a Denver consignment store.
Organizers set an ambitious target of at least $5,000 to help offset the costly treatments Pearson faces, a goal that reflects both the urgency of his medical situation and the community’s desire to make a tangible difference.
Beyond the monetary aim, the event underscored the tight‑knit nature of the regional hockey scene, where coaches, players and volunteers often share more than just a rink.
A Wave of Support
Fans filled the stands, wearing team colors and holding up signs that read “Never Far From Home” and “Play for Zac,” while local businesses contributed snacks and raffle prizes.
Social media buzzed with messages of encouragement, and the tournament’s organizers said they discovered Pearson’s story through a viral post that highlighted his coaching legacy and battle with illness.