Liberty hockey and former captain Ethan Graber finding inspiration in each other

COLORADO SPRINGS – The stats from last year tell just part of the story. Ethan Graber didn’t lead the Liberty hockey team in goals scored or total points. But make no mistake, he was the leader of the team.

His sweater had the C. He was the guy not only setting the standard for the team on and off the ice, but holding everyone accountable to ensure that the standard was met.

“These kids were affected by him as captain last year,” coach Kent McIlhany said. “All the kids trusted him. He was very much the father figure because he’ll discipline. If a kid is screwing up, he’ll get on him.”

He was a big reason that the Lancers fought their way into the Class 4A state semifinals.

Now he’s a fighting a bigger battle.

Graber was getting migraines late last year. During a checkup at the eye doctor, there appeared to be something enflaming his optic nerve and Graber was told he should have it looked at.

The diagnosis was a pineal tumor on his brain. He had surgery to remove as much of it as possible and when the biopsy results came back the week of Jan. 27 it was scariest word Graber and his family could hear: Cancer.

Throughout his journey – a journey he has every intention of beating – the Liberty hockey team has been a vital source of confidence and inspiration.

“Hockey is more than just a sport to me,” Graber said. “Those guys are family to me. It’s so different than just a friendship. I’ve known most of them for so long and just seeing their support has meant everything.”

The Lancers have shown that support in the obvious ways. They call and they text. McIlhaney stresses on them that in a battle like this, there is no such thing as too much communication. He wants Graber to know that he is in the thoughts of the team at all hours of the day. A phone call on the way to school or practice or even after a game can make all the difference.

“Send him a text or something,” McIlhaney said. “Goof off with him or talk about something you remember about him. They need to stay in contact with him to where he’s not lost on this team. He’s a part of us.”

Graber’s mom, Jen Gibbons, echoes that thought. She says in this tough time, it’s impossible for her, Ethan or the entire family to hear from too many people simply saying that the family is in their thoughts.

They also show their support through hockey. In a crucial game against District 11 on Friday, the Lancers donned specialty jerseys for their Hockey Fights Cancer night. His name was right there on the left sleeve and a jersey bearing his No. 23 and last name hung on the Liberty bench for the night.

Liberty beat D11 2-1 and it was Graber’s good friend – and the guy who took his spot as captain – Wynn Bolte who scored the first goal of the night.

“There was extra pressure just because we were playing for him,” Bolte said. “He’s a special guy. I love that guy.”

In the previous meeting with D11, the Lancers lost 6-0. The days are getting late early as the regular season ends on Feb. 15. The Lancers currently sit at No. 10 in the 4A Selection and Seeding Index. Ten teams make the playoffs so every win means that much more moving forward.

Somehow both making the playoffs and playing for Graber has this team eyeing two tasks that take different roads to the same goal. This is a Liberty team that is playing for so much more than individual success. The Lancers are determined from here on out to play together for a cause that is greater than them.

“The sport we play is [based in] community,” forward Nathan McIlhaney said. “We feel that when we’re fighting for something that is bigger than hockey.”

After spending time in Seattle for treatment, Graber is finally home in Colorado Springs. He’s planning to attend Liberty’s game against Woodland Park on Thursday at Ed Robson Arena.

His fight is far from over. For now, he’s relying on his Liberty teammates to inspire him every day. And in return, he inspires them the same way he did when he was on the roster.

“The leaders on that team say that they base their leadership off what I taught them,” Graber said. “Whether that’s true or not, it just means a lot to hear that.”

There’s no question that it’s true. When Liberty took the ice on Friday, it was clear that Graber was with the team every step of the way. His name was their arm, his jersey was on the bench and his spirit very much resided in a must-win game.

To stay informed on Graber’s journey, you can find more information on CaringBridge.