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Wolves player sheds locks for a worthy cause

A little change can do some serious good.

One month ago, Chicago Wolves forward Nathan Longpre made a pledge: if he could raise $750 in support of Chicago Wolves Charities by the end of February, he would shave off his long locks.

The effort was inspired by the plight of Longpre’s friend and former teammate Chris Kushneriuk, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year at age 25.

“It was heartbreaking when I heard,” Longpre said when he launched his fundraising efforts. “I feel I need to be of assistance somehow and to show my support and give this cause everything I can.”

He left it all on the floor — literally — the morning of Feb. 25 at Hair Cuttery in Hoffman Estates, when stylist Fran Zelma buzzed off several inches of hair from Longpre’s head.

While his new reflection was a bit of a shock, losing his hair meant Longpre accomplished what he set out to do.

“It’s obviously a change, but it’s a good change. I can definitely get used to it,” he said, adding he hasn’t had such short hair since he was a young kid.

“My girlfriend was really supportive of me going through with this,” he said. “I hope she’s going to like it. Let’s hope.”

Any trepidation Longpre may have felt was squashed by thoughts of Kushneriuk. “This is something I’m really proud of, and I hope he’s proud of me for trying to help him through this time of need.”

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