Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) Champions are a dedicated group of NHL and PWHL players, coaches, broadcasters, and public figures who use their voices, platforms, and time to support cancer patients and their families. Powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research and presented by AstraZeneca, these Champions help raise awareness, inspire action, and drive critical funding for cancer research.

Through donation match campaigns, team challenges, and personal fundraisers, Champions contribute to raising millions for game-changing cancer research.

They are united by personal stories, shared purpose, and a commitment to making a difference on and off the ice.

Meet the Champions

Nick Foligno

Club: Chicago Blackhawks

Position: Forward, Captain

Nick has been a strong advocate for Hockey Fights Cancer since the start of his NHL career. The cause is deeply personal to him and his brother, Marcus, who lost their mother, Janis, to breast cancer in 2009.  In her honor, they established the Janis Foligno Foundation, dedicated to supporting organizations in the fight against cancer. 

As an HFC Champion, Nick helped announce a $600,000 lung cancer research grant in Chicago during the 2024 Winter Classic.






Watch “A Game-Changing Grant”

Marcus Foligno

Club: Minnesota Wild

Position: Forward, Alternate Captain

Marcus is a passionate supporter of Hockey Fights Cancer, a cause that holds deep personal meaning for him and his brother, Nick. After losing their mother, Janis, to breast cancer in 2009, the brothers founded the Janis Foligno Foundation, which continues to advance cancer research and support families affected by the disease.










Watch HFC: Foligno Brothers

Josh Manson

Club: Colorado Avalanche

Position: Defenseman

Josh’s commitment to Hockey Fights Cancer is personal. His mother, Lana, passed away from melanoma in 2023, inspiring him to honor her memory through his advocacy and support for cancer research.

Since his NHL debut in 2014, Josh has made it his mission to support the cause and participate in HFC initiatives. His heartfelt Players’ Tribune piece has touched many fans, while he continues to raise awareness for the cause.

In 2025, a V Foundation melanoma research grant in Orange County, California was named in his mother’s honor.


Watch “The Gift of Time”

Mario Ferraro

Club: San Jose Sharks

Position: Defenseman

Mario’s connection to Hockey Fights Cancer is a personal one. Over the last several years Mario has lost loved ones to cancer, including his hockey billet mom, his grandparents, and an uncle. Inspired by their courageous battles and these experiences, Mario continues to be an advocate for HFC, raising awareness for the cause and representing Hockey Fights Cancer at events such as the V Foundation ESPYs Celebrity Golf Classic, in addition to supporting San Jose Sharks HFC initiatives.

See his “HFC Jacket Showcase”

Jeremy Swayman

Club: Boston Bruins

Position: Goalie

Since arriving in Boston, Jeremy has been committed to joining the fight against cancer. From hospital visits and telethons to hosting families at Bruins’ home games, Jeremy is actively supporting those battling cancer. His dedication is personal; his aunt is a breast cancer survivor, driving him to raise awareness and make a difference both on and off the ice.



See his stats

Boone Jenner

Club: Columbus Blue Jackets

Position: Forward, Captain

As captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Boone has taken an active role as a HFC Champion, helping to amplify the message of the cause. Together with his wife, Maggie, Boone has been significantly involved in the Blue Jackets’ HFC initiatives, from meeting families at home games to visiting a children’s hospital during the 2024 NHL Stadium Series. Through these efforts, Boone continues to support and raise awareness for those affected by cancer.


Watch his story

Dakota Joshua

Club: Toronto Maple Leafs

Position: Forward

In his fourth NHL season, Dakota was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After completing his treatment, he is now in remission and has made it a priority to raise awareness for HFC and inspire those who have been touched by cancer by sharing his story. Dakota’s journey of resilience has resonated across the hockey community, motivating fans and players alike.





Read his story

Matthew Schaefer

Club: New York Islanders

Position: Defenseman

As the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer’s path to the New York Islanders has been shaped by personal loss and resilience. After losing his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in 2024, Matthew keeps her memory close as he builds his NHL career. Inspired by her courage, he embraces his role as an advocate for Hockey Fights Cancer and is committed to supporting cancer research and honoring her legacy through his work as an HFC Champion.



Watch "Welcome to the NHL"

Eddie Olczyk

Stanley Cup Champion, TNT Broadcaster

Eddie finished his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks just as the NHL and NHLPA launched the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. Over the past 26 years, Eddie has supported Hockey Fights Cancer, as a player, a coach, and a commentator. In August 2017, HFC became even more personal for Eddie when he was diagnosed with cancer himself. After an eight-month battle, Eddie was declared cancer free. 

As an HFC Champion, Eddie uses his platform to share his story and raise awareness for the fight against cancer, inspiring fans and the hockey community alike.

Watch “It May Save Someone You Love”

Sarah Nurse

Club: PWHL Vancouver

Position: Forward

For Sarah, HFC is personal. Both of her grandmothers and her mother have been diagnosed with breast cancer, inspiring her commitment to the cause. As an HFC Champion, Sarah knows the importance of lending her platform and voice to the cause. By bringing awareness, and amplifying the importance of early detection, Sarah has helped to continue the fight against cancer.


Read her story

Coach Sudsie Maharaj

Club: Anaheim Ducks

Position: Director of Goaltending

Since 2003, Sudarshan, “Sudsie” has worked with NHL goalies, teaching them how to make big saves. Sudsie defied the odds and got the biggest save of his life in 2024 when he was declared cancer free after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023.  Now, he is back working with the Anaheim Ducks’ goaltenders. Sudsie’s story continues to inspire those facing similar battles and everyone who has been impacted by cancer.

Watch “Save of a Lifetime”

Harry Hudson

Musician & Activist

Harry survived Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 20, an experience that fuels his dedication to Hockey Fights Cancer. A passionate hockey fan, Harry uses his platform and nonprofit, Hey, I’m Here For You, to raise awareness and support young adults battling cancer, combining his advocacy with his music to connect with fans across generations. Through his efforts, he continues to provide hope, encouragement, and visibility for those navigating their own cancer journeys.


Watch his HFC Champion story

Dave Coulier

Entertainer & Activist

Actor, comedian, and beloved television personality Dave Coulier is best known as everyone’s favorite Uncle Joey from Full House. In 2024, Dave was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma—a life-changing diagnosis he has faced with courage, humor, and unwavering positivity.

Inspired by this chapter of his life, Dave and his wife, Melissa, have launched AwearMarket.com, a holistic health and wellness e-commerce website offering thoughtfully curated, toxic-free products made by small businesses across a wide range of categories. Through AwearMarket, customers can round up their purchases to support the V Foundation, helping fuel groundbreaking cancer research.

A lifelong hockey fan and proud Detroit Red Wings loyalist, Dave brings his passion for the sport into his advocacy. As an HFC Champion, he uses his platform to raise awareness, inspire fans, and drive critical funding for cancer research—bringing hope to patients and families nationwide.

Join Dave and Donate Today


The Impact

In the first two years of the HFC Champions program powered by the V Foundation over $7.5 million has been raised to fund groundbreaking cancer research.

With the dedication of our Champions and the passion of fans across North America, Hockey Fights Cancer continues to grow, united year-round in the fight to end cancer.

About Hockey Fights Cancer

Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative between the NHL and NHLPA, powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research presented by AstraZeneca. Together, we unite the hockey community by supporting cancer patients and funding innovative research that saves lives.