A varsity high school hockey game is helping raise money for a local teenager battling cancer.

Jake Richards is a student at Conemaugh Valley High School. He was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January.

“I was crushed. I was devastated. I thought: ‘Here we go again,'” said Carl Richards, Jake’s dad. “Just lightning striking twice.”

Jake’s mom lost her battle with cancer in 2013.

“Just growing up, taking care of my mom and being there for her. And then it happened to me. It’s just, I try to stay positive and beat it this time for her,” said Jake.

Jake’s friends, family and classmates at Conemaugh Valley and other schools in the area jumped in to help. They organized fundraisers at different school sports games, including the upcoming Conemaugh Valley vs. Johnstown varsity hockey game.

“It’s hard to put it into words. We’re blessed to have this community,” Carl said.

Jake loves to play sports: football, basketball and baseball.

Although he’s sitting on the bench for now, his dad says it won’t be for long.

“Spoke to the doctors last week. They have high hopes. We got a good report last week and we’re just hoping it continues until he can be back on the field,” Carl said. “He’s tearing it up. He’s my idol.” 

You can stay updated on Jake’s progress by visiting the Jays for Jake Facebook page.

You can buy tickets for the hockey game at the 1st Summit Arena @ the Cambria County War Memorial doors on Tuesday, March 6th. Puck drops at 5:50 p.m.