The roots of friendship can run deep, to the point where someone you don’t share a blood relation with can become as close as a family member.

Kyle LaVergne knows this well. The Metro Jets (USPHL Premier) defenseman essentially grew up with Stewart Marmion in Waterford, Mich., and the two attended school together at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s School.

When Stewart’s mother Kara became afflicted with lung cancer, LaVergne was like another son to her, helping anywhere he could.

Now, Kyle has utilized his hockey network to create Kara’s Game. This Sunday’s event at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s will feature a mix of current and incoming Metro Jets players, with NHL talent, one Olympic Gold Medalist and many NCAA Division 1 players hitting the ice to raise money for the Marmion family. The puck drops at 1:30 p.m.

“Kara’s Game is to benefit Kara Marmion, my best friend’s mother, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that just recently metastasized into her brain,” said LaVergne. “The proceeds of the game are all going to her to help with the at-home care she needs, with her son at school and husband working full time.”

“Kyle sprung this on me a few weeks ago, and I initially was like ‘what is going on’ and the more we started working on it, the more it came together pretty well, in the short time we’ve had for it,” said Stewart. “I’m so grateful to Kyle. We’ve had a lot of stuff piling up - regular stress, mental stress, financial stress. I’m super grateful to him for being there and putting in the time.”

Among LaVergne’s training partners in Michigan is Austin Czarnik, who signed this off-season with the Calgary Flames after starting his NHL career with the Boston Bruins.

“It’s an honor to be able to play and show our support as a community to try and help this family in this way,” said Czarnik, a Washington Township, Mich., native. “We hope we can make an impact for this family and are looking forward to having a fun day.”

Kali Flanagan, who helped Team USA win the nation’s first Olympic Gold Medal in women’s hockey since 1998, is another confirmed star player for Kara’s Game. Chris Mueller, another participant, is in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, and has earned NHL call-ups with three different organizations since the 2010 season.

“I train with each of Austin and Chris, and Czarnik and I are pretty good friends. Kali and I have a mutual friend,” said LaVergne. “I asked them if they’d be able to participate in this event, and they are happy they can show support for this cause.”

Metro Jets players Jhuwon Davis, George Hansen, Brodie Thornton and Brendan Graham will step to the ice as well, along with Michigan State’s Butrus Ghafari and Northeastern University’s Brandon Hawkins. Two University of Michigan players - Jack Olmstead and Jack Leavy - are also hitting the frozen sheet.

Chris Cameron, of the Barrie Colts (Ontario Hockey League) is also committed to the game. With the exception of Flanagan, a Massachusetts native, and Hansen, of New York, all remaining above-named players are Michigan natives.

LaVergne himself will likely be running the show off the ice.

“I separated my shoulder last Thursday, so I may have a delayed start to my season,” he added.

The Marmion family will be present, including the guest of honor herself.

“Mom and I will be there,” said Stewart. “It’s amazing, one of the coolest things I’ve seen, with Kyle being able to put so many amazing people together in a short amount of time through his connections in hockey.”

Sponsorships are still available for Kara’s Game. Contact Kyle LaVergne at 248-648-0646 or email him at kyle.lavergne@gmail.com to either become a sponsor for the game, or make a donation to the Marmion family.