JAN. 18 MARKS FIFTH ANNUAL MARK CROSS MEMORIAL DAY

General | 1/18/2025 8:00:00 AM

Each year, Jan. 18 is more than but another day for the York Lions.  

On this, Jan. 18, York University Athletics & Recreation once again celebrates the life and legacy of former Lions men’s hockey player Mark Cross on the fifth annual Mark Cross Memorial Day. 

Cross, who played with the Lions from 2011-2016 was one of 16 killed in the devastating Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6, 2018. 

In the years since Cross’ tragic death, the York men’s hockey team has adopted the C.R.O.S.S. Spirit, a set of values by which it operates itself both on and off the ice. Containing the traits of Character, Respect, Optimism, Sacrifice and Selflessness, the C.R.O.S.S. Spirit represent five of the many qualities Mark exhibited in his daily life. Head coach Russ Herrington says the program sees it as an obligation to exemplify these attributes as a method of preserving Cross’ memory, and that the C.R.O.S.S. acronym is more than just letters, but a way of life. 

“The Men’s Hockey program feels the responsibility to keep Mark’s legacy alive through our own actions, behaviours and choices in the way we represent York University, the York Hockey Alumni and our own families. 

  “That means to be of strong character and ensuring there is alignment between our words and our actions, behaviours and choices. It means to be respectful by showing appreciation for the people and processes that are present in our lives. It means to be optimistic by having faith that doing the right things, the right way, for as long as possible will lead to things turning out in our fortune. It means knowing that true sacrifice is when we do the things we need to do because those are the things we want to do. Lastly, it means living with selflessness knowing that being our best for the team, by truly being in service of others, allows those around us to be their best versions as well.” 

York Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation Steven Chuang says Mark Cross Memorial Day is an extremely important day on the York calendar. 

“Athletics & Recreation takes great pride in honouring Mark’s legacy here at York University,” Chuang said. “The various ways we honour Mark, through the Mark Cross Memorial Fund, Mark Cross Memorial Game and our men’s hockey program’s daily commitment to preserving Mark’s memory through the C.R.O.S.S. acronym are just a few of the ways we display our deep appreciation for the impact he made on our men’s hockey program and the department as a whole. 

“We continue each year to bring his spirit to life through these various initiatives. We will always have a great deal of gratitude for Mark’s everlasting impact on our Lions student-athletes, both past and present.” 

The Lions are looking for support in one of the following ways: 

1. Under DONATE AMOUNT, click on OTHER and enter $18 into DONATION AMOUNT. 

2. Choose desired Payment Frequency 

3. Enter Donor & Contact Information 

• Talk about how you live out the C.R.O.S.S. pillars of character, respect, optimism, sacrifice and selflessness and post on social media, tagging @yorkulions and including the #MC18 hashtag 

The Lions will host the UQTR Patriotes in the fifth annual Mark Cross Memorial Game on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 3:15 pm. Ticketing information, including prices, can be found at yorkulions.ca/tickets.  

All media inquiries may be directed to Kim Servinis, Manager, Marketing, Communications & Corporate Partnerships, or Ben Browne, Representative, Sport Information. Servinis can be reached by email at kserv@yorku.ca, and Browne at bbrowne@yorku.ca.