Gord Downie

Tragically Hip frontman and Canadian musician Gord Downie passes away from terminal brain cancer

After being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer in December 2015, Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie passed away Tuesday.

Downie announced in the spring of 2016 that he had undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The Hip already had a tour planned, and Downie planned to go through with it. Downie’s final performance was in August 2016 in the band’s hometown of Kingston, Ontario.

While the Hip was important to Canada being labeled as “Canada’s band,” they also held a very special place in Braden Holtby’s heart.

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By Cara Bahniuk 6 years ago

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Braden Holtby’s Tragically Hip mask raises over $21,000 for brain cancer research

During the World Cup of Hockey, Braden Holtby rocked a tribute mask painted to honor Tragically Hip lead singer Gord Downie. Earlier in the year, the Canadian icon was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a terminal brain tumor. During the tournament, Holtby decided to auction off the mask to raise money for two of Downie’s most treasured charities.

On Tuesday, the NHLPA announced that Holtby’s mask, which he commissioned himself, raised $21,650 (or $28,380.88 if you convert the US money into Canadian dollars).

The money will benefit the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research and the Gord Downie Secret Path Fund for Truth and Reconciliation.

“Like so many others, I have been truly inspired by the courage Gord Downie has shown, and I was very appreciative that he embraced the design of my Team Canada goalie mask,” Holtby said in the release. “I am very proud to have been a part of supporting these two important funds in Mr. Downie’s honor, and I appreciate everyone’s help in making this auction a success.”

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By Ian Oland 7 years ago

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Scratched Braden Holtby joined by Gord Downie in press box during Canada-USA game

Braden Holtby hasn’t played or dressed in a single game for Team Canada during group play of the World Cup of Hockey. Tuesday night, however, the Holtbeast made a huge impact from the stands.

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By Elyse Bailey 7 years ago

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Braden Holtby debuts tribute mask to Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip

Tragically Hip frontman and Canadian musician Gord Downie has terminal brain cancer and Team Canada goalie Braden Holtby has come up with a sweet tribute.

Working with Swedish airbrush artist Dave Gunnarsson, Holtby debuted a second Team Canada mask, this time with the iconic band and several images of Downie painted on the side.

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By Ian Oland 7 years ago

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