Hockey community comes together in support of teammate’s cancer diagnosis

CTV's Joseph Bernacki shows how a community is coming together to show support for a young hockey player diagnosed with cancer.

A hockey community is organizing a special fundraiser for a teammate battling cancer.

This summer has been an uphill battle for 16-year-old Payton Chornley, as a lymphoma diagnosis in late July has kept her off the ice where she thrives during the hockey season.

“It’s definitely been one of the worst months of my life I’d say,” Chornley said.

With continued treatment, Chornley is hoping to start skating with her Rink Hockey Academy teammates later this month.

It’s her second season as a forward with the female U-18 squad. Last season she had 16 goals, 24 assists for a total of 40 points in 30 games played.

“I’d love to go professional somewhere,” Chornley said.

“That’s always been a great dream of mine, especially with new teams expanding in the PWHL and you know, the new league starting.”

In the meantime, her hockey community is organizing a fundraiser for the team’s season opener on September 24 against the visiting Balmoral Hall squad.

Proceeds from the evening of hockey, live entertainment and meet and greets with female hockey athletes all go towards CancerCare Manitoba in support of Chornley.

Her family said they are humbled by the response from the community.

“When you look at it over those years, you never think that one of your own will be impacted by it (cancer),” said Shaun Chornley, Payton’s father.

“But when it’s staring you in the face, you actually appreciate, you know the hard work and all that and the giving back over the years.”

“A ton of people have come together to make it happen and it’s just going to be really special. It’s going to be a great night,” Payton Chornley said.

Chornley’s coach and teammates said they are united behind her—and will put their best skate forward on the ice.

“The team has really rallied around her, and she’s part of the program,” said Ed Mauro, coach of the Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg Female U-18 Prep team.

“She’s here as often as she can be here, which lifts the spirits of the players.”

“She’s such a strong person and I think that’s what we all know about her is just that we know that she’s going to fight harder than anyone else, and it just shows how much support we have for each other,” said Rowyn Street, Chornley’s teammate.

For now, Chornley is going to do what she can to get back on the ice.

“Just skating and letting all my worries go away and stuff like that,” Payton Chornley said.

“You know just being out there again, is just going to feel truly amazing. So hopefully soon.”