During the game, several pediatric cancer heroes will be honored by participating in a variety of in-game experiences including an on-ice, pre-game introduction alongside the Blue Jackets. In addition, the evening will also include a number of tributes to cancer survivors and those who are currently battling the disease. To cap the night, a full-team autograph session, open to all fans in attendance, follows the game.
In keeping with the NHL's message that the color purple represents awareness for all types of cancer, the Blue Jackets Foundation will host a pair of fundraisers to benefit its fight against pediatric cancer.
Purple Jersey Auction: Players will wear purple jerseys during pre-game warm-ups. The complete set of authentic worn jerseys will be individually autographed by the respective players and available for charitable auction. Mobile bidding opens on November 9 when the club hosts Anaheim and runs through the second intermission of the November 15 game vs. Washington. For further details, visit BlueJackets.com/cbjauction.
"Stick it to Cancer" T-shirt: This year's custom purple T-shirts will be on sale at the Blue Jackets Foundation kiosk located near sections 110-111 on the main concourse.
The night also marks an opportunity for fans to purchase the 2016-17 edition Hats For Heroes hats with all sales directly benefiting the Foundation's pediatric cancer grant partners.
All fans entering Nationwide Arena will receive a rally towel and a "United, we fight cancer for …." battle card courtesy of OhioHealth. The card features a space where fans may write their personal connection to the fight against cancer. Fans are encouraged to use their cards during an in-game recognition of cancer survivors and all those who have been touched in some way by the disease. OhioHealth also invites fans to visit their concourse attractions that include a photo experience.
The fight against pediatric cancer has been one of Blue Jackets Foundation's primary areas of focus since the team's inception in 2000. Hats For Heroes and additional fundraising programs have helped raise more than $2.1 million to fund a variety of support programs for pediatric cancer patients and their families, including therapy through distraction, critical research projects and assistance in providing palliative care for youth.
About Hockey Fights Cancer™
Hockey Fights Cancer™ is an 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. The Hockey Fights Cancer initiative is supported by the National Hockey League Foundation, the NHL Foundation, players, 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, the Hockey Fights Cancer programs of the National Hockey League Foundation (in the US) and the NHL Foundation (in Canada), along with NHL supporters and fans, have donated more than $16 million to support the cancer programs of national and local cancer research institutions, children's hospitals, player charities and local charities. For more information about Hockey Fights Cancer, please go to hockeyfightscancer.com.
