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March is the month for college basketball's "March Madness," and when you think madness, you think buzzer beating Cinderella teams upsetting your bracket. For the Sound Tigers and the local community on Thursday, March 13 at the Bear & Grill in Fairfield, the buzzer was about shaving their heads to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer in supporting the St. Baldrick's Foundation and "TeamBrent."

"TeamBrent" is a group that was formed by Mike McCreesh the father of Brent, his son who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two, to start a foundation in the effort of beating cancer.

On March 1, Brent and his family joined the Sound Tigers for their game against the Binghamton Senators. Mike McCreesh, Brent's father recalled the event, "I saw the look in Brent's eyes as he looked at the guys, he was so happy." Brent was able to tour the locker room, drop the puck, and talk with the players. Mike could not thank the Sound Tigers enough for that night and their support at the St. Baldricks' event.

Deb Kaufman, an analyst with Fox Sports New York, the television station that covers the Sound Tigers National Hockey League affiliate, the New York Islanders, was the emcee for the event. The event hits close to home, literally for Kaufman who became involved in the event because the McCreesh family is her next-door neighbors.

"Having the Sound Tigers here is fantastic. Everyone is excited and it has definitely been the highlight of the night," Kaufman said. "It shows their support for the cause that has been growing each year we do this event."

To kick-off the event, Mike McCreesh gave an inspiring speech saying, "42 months ago tonight we sat in the hospital room and the doctor said, 'I think your child has cancer'." McCreesh continued, "That inspired me to work towards a day when those words are never spoken again. Brent's name may be on the door, but we do it for all the families that are out there fighting to put an end to cancer."

Jeremy Colliton took part in the festivities and was the first to step to the "buzzer" and shave his head.

"Brent's story is inspiring. We are showing our support, lots of the guys were willing to shave their heads, it's a great thing."

Drew Fata reinforced Colliton's words saying, "We are here to show our support." About shaving his head, Fata said, "I didn't mind when the ladies were shaving my head. My head is cold, but I like the different look."

Dana McCreesh, Brent's mother reflected on having the Sound Tigers at the event, "I love the Sound Tigers being here. It adds another level to what we're trying to raise awareness about. It's wonderful to have them. It's amazing to see how involved in the community these guys are." Dana continued saying, "I'm overwhelmed, it's amazing, I cannot believe the amount of people here and the amount of support everyone is showing. I can't believe the amount of children that showed up before and were willing to shave their heads."

Scott Ford, who also shaved his head, didn't mind the haircut, but knew some of his other teammates have to get used to their new looks. Talking about the event Ford said, "It's fantastic to come out for this cause and support Brent. Just to be a part of this is special. To give back and get your head shaved, it's all special."

Each year, on average, 3,000 children die from pediatric cancer, which is more than Pediatric AIDS, Asthma, Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, and Congenital Anomalies combined. St. Baldricks in conjunction with TeamBrent is fighting pediatric cancer everyday by raising money for disease research. March 13 was St. Baldrick's fourth annual flagship event where members of the community gathered and voluntarily shaved their heads for the cause. There were over 600 participants at the event, which raised over two million dollars.

For the fourth year, The St. Baldricks event was held in conjunction with TeamBrent. Local businesses, firefighters, and teams donated to the cause, by shaving their heads or with monetary donations. Behind the Bear & Grill was a party tent filled with people, barbers, shaved heads, music, guest speakers, food and beverages.

TeamBrent and St. Baldricks are fighting every day to make sure that another parent doesn't have to hear the words, "I think your child has cancer". For more information on TeamBrent log onto www.TeamBrent.com .

Photo Credit: Erin Willey & Sound Tigers Boosters