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Former Gopher Hockey Star Given A Few Months To Live

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Friends and family are putting together a benefit for a former Gopher hockey star who has been given just a few months to live.

Gary Shopek was just a walk-on when he tried out for the Gopher hockey team in 1983.

Shopek not only made the team, he was the Gopher's Rookie of the Year that year. And he won the team's "most determined" award twice.

The former Patrick Henry star was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just a few weeks ago.

Organizers of the benefit say there has been an outpouring of support.

"Everyone has been coming together," said Mike Finke, a friend. "People he has played hockey with, ex-pro athletes, guys from the U, everyone has been coming together and donating."

Some of those donated items will be auctioned off at a benefit fundraiser at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in north Minneapolis this Saturday.

For more information, click here.

You can also make a donation to any TCF Bank location, under the Gary Shopek Benefit Fund.

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