Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative founded in December 1998 by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association to raise money and awareness for hockey's most important fight.  It is supported by NHL Member Clubs, NHL Alumni, the NHL Officials' Association, Professional Hockey Trainers and Equipment Managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners and fans throughout North America. To date, more than $9 million has been raised to support national and local cancer research institutions, Children’s Hospitals, player charities and local cancer organizations.

(READ: Hockey Fights Cancer blankets bring warmth to NHL's youngest fans)

The 2007-08 season marks the 10th Anniversary of Hockey Fights Cancer.  The NHL and NHLPA will commemorate the milestone with League and team programming throughout the season to help increase funds and awareness of Hockey Fights Cancer.  The League-wide initiative commences in October with “Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month” and will include involvement from all 30 Member Clubs, players, management and fans.

Hockey Fights Cancer’s largest fund-raising initiative is the Hockey Fights Cancer On-Line Charity Auction.  Since it began in 2000, the auction has raised more than $1.8 million to support cancer research and Children's Hospitals in North America.  The first NHL All-Star jersey ever worn by Pittsburgh Penguins center and All-Star rookie Sidney Crosby generated a record $47,520 during the 2007 Hockey Fights Cancer On-Line Charity Auction.

In October 1999, the NHL and the NHLPA joined together to launch the Hockey’s All-Star Kids Program, a program that links the hockey community with the youngest victims of cancer and other diseases.  Hockey’s All-Star Kids initiatives are in place in all 30 NHL markets.  The program encourages interaction between players and young patients and provides opportunities for Children’s Hospital patients to be involved at the arena – activities ranging from ticket/suite donation programs to taking part in puck-dropping ceremonies or serving as a stick boy or girl.  Through a League-wide relationship with Children’s Hospitals in Canada and the United States, Hockey’s All-Star Kids includes patient visits, fund-raising support and programs to help create a positive environment for patients and their families.

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