Hernando: Hockey game to benefit widow

Hockey game to benefit widow

By JAMIE JONES, Times Staff Writer

SPRING HILL -- Sheriff's deputies will trade night sticks for hockey sticks Saturday as they try to raise money for a young pregnant woman who lost her husband last week.

Deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office are challenging local youth coaches to a roller hockey match at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Spring Hill Sports Arena on County Line Road.

Entrance fee for the game is $5, and all proceeds will go to Cynthia Gay, 24, a dispatcher with the Sheriff's Office whose husband, Joshua Gay, died July 30. Joshua Gay was a lineman with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative and was electrocuted while working to restore power.

Mrs. Gay has a 2-year-old son and is pregnant with the couple's second son, due in several weeks.

"There is never a good time for a tragedy like this, but Gay's death could not have happened at a worse time," said Deputy Tom Brooks. "We want to help in any way we can."

The $5 entry fee includes a chance to win gift certificates from local businesses, as well as skating after the game, which should last about an hour.

Brooks, other law enforcement officers and several residents will try to beat local roller hockey coaches.

"We're not all very good, so people can come for the comedy of it," Brooks said.

During the event, deputies will hand out gift certificates donated by Applebee's, Beef O'Brady's on Forest Oaks Boulevard, Johnny Carino's, Outback Steakhouse, Chili's and the Golden Corral.

Also, Moore Sun Tanning Salon and Gayle's Nail Works have offered a free month of tanning, Brooks said.

Deputies will auction an item signed by Tampa Bay Lightning players, including Nikolai Khabibulin and Vincent Lecavalier.

Beef O'Brady's will donate half the price of the meal of diners who bring in a ticket stub after the game to the Gay family, Brooks said.

The skate rink hosting the event is owned by two Sheriff's Office employees, Detective Billy Beetz and Deputy Jeff Kraft.

Doors open at 7 p.m. for the event.

"We hope everyone will come, have a nice time and help this family," Brooks said.

-- Jamie Jones covers law enforcement and courts in Hernando County and can be reached at 754-6114. Send e-mail to jjones@sptimes.com.