Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Grant Spada’s drive to give his best every day stems from his mother, Alison, who underwent four surgeries as part of her fight against brain cancer over the course of Grant’s childhood.
Alison inspired her son to launch Spada Strong, an initiative that will raise funds for pediatric cancer support at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario during his upcoming season with the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
“Cancer impacts a lot of people,” Spada said. “I’m just trying to support kids and do anything I can to help the community. I have a story to tell, and I get to tell that story all thanks to my warrior of a mom and what she's battled through. The relationship we have with McMaster Children’s Hospital is already unbelievable, so thanks to them, and I’m excited that I get to meet some amazing children in the future here."
Spada will host pediatric cancer patients at Guelph home games this season, recognizing them as ‘Spada's Star of the Game’. Families will receive free tickets to watch the Storm and then get to meet the defenseman and his teammates postgame.
Entering his third season with Guelph, the 19-year-old Spada wanted to make a difference in the community. Given his family’s experience, supporting others affected by cancer was a natural choice.
Alison will also take part in the initiative this season through select ceremonial puck drops. Spada said she is the perfect example of somebody who faces every challenge with strength, and that’s always been an inspiration to him on and off the ice.
“My mom is everything to me, and she’s inspired me for as long as I can remember. She doesn’t miss a game. She’s the kindest person around, and if you go to my hometown everybody will say that my mom has a smile on her face and she’ll do anything for anyone. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how I’m going to continue to be. That’s all because of my mom."
The Lightning’s nonprofit organization, the Lightning Foundation, is among the early supporters of Spada Strong. Spada, a Tampa Bay seventh-round pick (212th overall) from the 2025 NHL Draft, is one of 23 players participating in this week’s prospect camp at TGH Ice Plex.
This week marks the beginning of Spada’s season, which is set to culminate with Guelph's Memorial Cup run this spring. Whenever things get tough, he’ll think of the same person he always does—his mother.
“My mom’s had four open brain surgeries, and that’s a huge thing to overcome. How can I not win a battle in the corner if she can beat cancer four times?
“She’s my hero."
Donations to Spada Strong can be made here.
