Roughnecks’ Star Wars-themed jerseys fetch big money for STARS
It’s not often one of lacrosse’s brightest young stars is surprised by the attention, but even Curtis Dickson had to do a double take at the final numbers.
When the Calgary Roughnecks’ Star Wars-themed jersey auction closed this week after 19 days of bidding, Dickson’s No. 17 silks with Darth Vader on the front collected a cool $2,675.
That’s about $47 per goal for the man with 57 markers on the season.
“That’s awesome,” Dickson said with a laugh. “I’m surprised someone is willing to spend that much on my jersey, but it’s going to a great cause and that was the whole point of it, to raise money for STARS. It’s awesome to be able to see a great cause like that get some money.”
In total, the jerseys that made a one-time appearance at the Saddledome in a 16-12 win over the Vancouver Stealth on April 9 raised $25,200 in support of STARS Air Ambulance.
“STARS is very thankful for the overwhelming community support for this unique fundraiser held by the Calgary Roughnecks,” said Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS.
“We strive to provide the best in patient care, and this is possible only through the support of people like you. Your generosity will touch the lives of our patients and their loved ones. It truly does take a community to save a life.”
Dickson’s sweater was far and away the most popular of the 26 up for grabs, which included every single player on the roster, as well as two generic offerings signed by the entire team.
Of course, Dickson is in the midst of a sensational season, the Port Coquitlam, B.C., product’s sixth in Calgary.
Heading into the final game of the regular season on Saturday night at the Dome against the Toronto Rock (7 p.m., Fox Sports Go), Dickson is sitting on a career-high 57 goals and 101 points — the first time the 27-year-old sniper has cracked the 100-point barrier in his career.
If the Roughnecks win Saturday — or the Stealth lose one of their two weekend games — Dickson & Co. will clinch the final playoff spot in the West Division and get ready for a one-and-done clash with the Colorado Mammoth next weekend in Denver.