When tragedy struck the North Dakota hockey world on October 5, the response was swift and heartfelt. Two promising players – 17‑year‑old Ben Moch of the Mandan Braves and 16‑year‑old Taylor Fisher – lost their lives in a crash on Bismarck’s West Main Avenue. The 15‑year‑old driver survived with injuries, and three families now face a difficult road ahead.
Rivals become partners in compassion
Despite competing on opposite sides of the rink, Bismarck High School’s hockey team rallied around the victims. “We’ve played against Ben since I can remember,” sophomore Cooper Christensen said, recalling the close‑knit nature of the local hockey scene. Senior Owen Deeter added, “We’re opponents on the ice, but we’re also one family in the hockey community.” Their sentiment was echoed by many teammates who view the sport as a unifying force.
“Mandan Strong” t‑shirts spark a community fundraiser
The Bismarck High School Hockey Boosters, led by president Shawn Bergstrand, designed a special t‑shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Mandan Strong.” Priced at $20 each, the shirts were intended to raise money for the three families affected by the crash. The response exceeded every expectation: more than 2,700 shirts have been printed and sold, generating a substantial sum that will be handed directly to the families.
“It’s not about a particular team or school,” Bergstrand explained. “It’s about the community showing love and support for those who have suffered.” The Boosters have scheduled two distribution events to ensure every shirt reaches a donor. The first pickup is set for Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Capital Ice Complex in Bismarck. A second event will take place on November 4, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Starion Complex in Mandan.
Looking ahead
Organizers say they may print additional shirts once the current inventory is distributed, but any further production will depend on demand and the needs of the families. While a shirt cannot replace a lost loved one, the “Mandan Strong” campaign serves as a tangible reminder of what a caring community can achieve when it comes together.
Local residents, coaches, and players have praised the effort as a model of neighborly compassion. As one Bismarck fan noted, “Seeing rivals set aside competition to help each other shows the true spirit of our town.” The fundraiser not only provides financial assistance but also reinforces the idea that, in moments of grief, the hockey community stands united.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
