Hockey Fights Cancer daily digest
Latest news, images from around NHL
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Welcome to Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint initiative between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the campaign, which unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families.
Here is the latest Hockey Fights Cancer news from around the League.
Nov. 30
Maple Leafs hosting Hockey Fights Cancer night
The Toronto Maple Leafs will host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night on Saturday when the Buffalo Sabres come to Scotiabank Arena.
Maple Leafs players have sported Hockey Fights Cancer decals on their helmets throughout November, and on Saturday they will wear commemorative lavender jerseys during warmups; those jerseys will be donated and auctioned off, with proceeds directed to Camp Trillium. The Maple Leafs will host a pregame ceremony to recognize their continued partnership with Camp Trillium and the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative.
Management, coaches and media will wear designated Hockey Fights Cancer ties. All rink boards, in-arena digital signage and lighting will be lavender in color throughout the evening. Also, 50 children and their parents from Camp Trillium, which offers year-round recreational experiences to bring children with cancer and their families together, will receive all proceeds from MLSE's Ontario-wide 50/50 drawing.
Lavender Hockey Fights Cancer merchandise will be available for purchase, and fans at home can support the cause by participating in the online auction, which will include the players' Hockey Fights Cancer warmup jerseys, and by sharing their own photos with "I Fight For" cards using the hashtag #HockeyFightsCancer on social media.
Nov. 25
Rangers, Flyers, Lightning, Ducks hosting Hockey Fights Cancer nights
The Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks are each hosting their Hockey Fights Cancer night on Tuesday.
Here are some of their social posts to promote their nights.
The Flyers night is extra meaningful to center Kevin Hayes, whose parents have each had cancer.
Here is information on the Ducks' night.
Nov. 24
Jets rally around massage therapist during cancer battles
Al Pritchard has a sharper focus than most on Hockey Fights Cancer month in the NHL. The Winnipeg Jets massage therapist has battled kidney cancer and thyroid cancer in the past five years. NHL.com staff writer Tim Campbell talked to Pritchard about his battle.
Hayes to salute parents' cancer fights when Flyers host Canucks
Kevin Hayes will wear a special suit to salute his parents' cancer fights when the Flyers host the Canucks on Monday night. NHL.com deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman has the story.
Hughes, Devils 'see the big picture' on Hockey Fights Cancer night
Devils center Jack Hughes is grateful that 10-year-old Grace Eline had the courage to share her story of inspiration just in time for Hockey Fights Cancer night at Prudential Center on Saturday. NHL.com staff writer Mike G. Morreale has the story.
Nov. 23
Seven teams staging Hockey Fights Cancer Nights
The Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche are each hosting their Hockey Fights Cancer night on Saturday.
The Capitals started by giving 18-year-old Brock Witmoyer, who had surgery to remove a brain tumor in September 2016, an exclusive tour of the locker room. That came after he rode to their game against the Vancouver Canucks at Capital One Arena in a limousine with Washington forward T.J. Oshie, his favorite player.
NHL.com staff writer Tom Gulitti has more on Witmoyer, whose wish to meet Oshie turned out better than he could have dreamed.
At Prudential Center, where the New Jersey Devils host the Detroit Red Wings, the Devils are selling mystery pucks and T-shirts, with the proceeds benefitting the Clara Maass Cancer Oncology Center.
Hockey Fights Cancer night is personal for a lot of the Jets, who face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bell MTS Place. That's because Jets massage therapist Al Pritchard is battling cancer for the second time.
In Montreal, the Canadiens will wear special warmup jerseys when they play against the New York Rangers at Bell Centre that will be auctioned off to benefit Leucan, an organization that helps children with cancer and their families.
The Kings also wore special warmup jerseys for their game against the Arizona Coyotes at Staples Center that will be auctioned off.
Fans attending the Avalanche game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Pepsi Center will be able to visit a photo booth to obtain "I Fight For" placards and personalize them with the name of the people they support in the battle against cancer.
The Hockey Fights Cancer warmup jerseys the Hurricanes will wear when they play against the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena will have a personalized touch, featuring the names of those close to the players who are fighting cancer.
Nov. 21
Stars, Golden Knights hosting Hockey Fights Cancer nights
The Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights will be staging their Hockey Fights Cancer nights Thursday.
The Stars will wear lavender jerseys during warmups before their game against the Winnipeg Jets at American Airlines Center (8:30 p.m.ET; FS-SW, TSN3, NHL.TV). They'll also use lavender stick tape, and coaches will wear Hockey Fights Cancer ties on the bench during the game.
The Stars are also hosting another Lego drive, with donations of new, unused boxes of the popular toys given to children fighting cancer.
Hockey Fights Cancer is a little more personal for Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore, who had offseason surgery for testicular cancer. Not surprisingly, he's their HFC ambassador.
The Golden Knights also will wear lavender warmup jerseys prior to their game against the San Jose Sharks at T-Mobile Arena (10 p.m. ET; ESPN+, ATTSN-RM, NBCSCA, NHL.TV). The jerseys will be autographed and auctioned off, with the proceeds going to organizations that help with early cancer detection and screening for those who can't afford it.
"It's a pretty special game," Theodore told the Las Vegas Review Journal. "It's good to bring some awareness to it. It's just going to be a lot of fun to play."
Theodore and forward Alex Tuch (and team mascot Chance) made the night a little bit more special for two fans who are fighting cancer and will be guests of the Golden Knights at the game.
Nov. 16
Five more teams holding Hockey Fights Cancer night
Saturday is a 15-game day in the NHL, with five teams staging their Hockey Fights Cancer nights.
The Arizona Coyotes, who host the Calgary Flames at Gila River Arena (4 p.m. ET; FS-A, FA-A PLUS, SNF, NHL.TV), will have Hockey Fights Cancer-themed mystery pucks on sale with proceeds going to the Yotes Foundation. The Coyotes will also be wearing Hockey Fights Cancer warmup jerseys, which will be auctioned off.
When the Edmonton Oilers host the Dallas Stars at Rogers Place (4 p.m. ET; SNW, FS-SW, NHL.TV), there will be toque sales benefitting the Kids with Cancer Society inside Ford Hall beginning two hours before game time. Also, proceeds from the 50/50 draw will benefit the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The Buffalo Sabres will host their Hockey Fights Cancer night when the host the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center (7 p.m. ET; SN1, TVAS2, MSG-B, NHL.TV).
Fans attending the game will have an opportunity to participate in the Autographed Hat Surprise sale. For a $20 donation to the Sabres Foundation, fans will receive a Sabres Hockey Fights Cancer autographed hat. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. There will also be raffles in the arena, and an online auction featuring Sabres autographed merchandise and experiences will run from at 7 p.m. ET Saturday to 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 24. All proceeds will benefit Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Fans attending the Pittsburgh Penguins game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at PPG Paints Arena (7 p.m. ET; NHLN, CBC, SNO, SNW, SNP, ATTSN-PT, NHL.TV) will receive a Hockey Fights Cancer jersey tote bag with a lavender awareness ribbon. The Penguins will wear commemorative jerseys during the warmup that will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefitting the Mario Lemieux Foundation and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Also, the Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin charity suites will be donated to young cancer patients and their families.
The Florida Panthers will autograph the Hockey Fights Cancer warmup jerseys they'll wear prior to their game against the New York Rangers (7 p.m. ET; FS-F, MSG 2, NHL.TV). The jerseys will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the Panthers Foundation.
Nov. 15
Several teams to host Hockey Fights Cancer night this weekend
The Columbus Blue Jackets will get a busy Hockey Fights Cancer weekend started when they host their HFC night on Friday for their game against the St. Louis Blues.
Here at all the details.
The Buffalo Sabres will host their Hockey Fights Cancer night when the host the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; SN1, TVAS2, MSG-B, NHL.TV).
Here are the all the details.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will also hold their night on Saturday.
Fans can bid on the Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys the Florida Panthers will wear on Saturday.
The Arizona Coyotes will also hold their night on Saturday.
Nov. 10
Hawerchuk taking hockey approach to cancer fight
Former NHL player Dale Hawerchuk is determined to fight his stomach cancer.
NHL.com staff writer Tim Campbell talked to Hawerchuk about his battle.
Nov. 9
Islanders host Hockey Fights Cancer day
The New York Islanders will host their Hockey Fights Cancer Day on Saturday afternoon when they play the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center (1 p.m. ET; MSG, FS-F, NHL.TV).
The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive special Islanders/Hockey Fights Cancer rally towels.
The Islanders are auctioning off the special Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys they're wearing during warmups. Bidding runs until Nov. 21.
Nov. 8
Red Wings host Hockey Fights Cancer night
The Detroit Red Wings will host their Hockey Fights Cancer night on Friday when they host the Boston Bruins at Little Caesars Arena (7:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, SNO, TVAS, FS-D, NESN, NHL.TV).
Goalies Jonathan Bernier and Jimmy Howard have special masks to mark the occasion.
The Red Wings have made other preparations for the big night as well.
Nov. 5
Flames hosting Hockey Fights Cancer night
The Calgary Flames will host their Hockey Fights Cancer night on Tuesday when they play the Arizona Coyotes at Scotiabank Saddledome (9 p.m. ET; SNW, FS-A, FS-A PLUS, NHL.TV).
They were getting the arena ready this afternoon.
'Amazing Gray' at Sharks game
Graysen Hooper, a 2-year-old who is battling leukemia, will be back at SAP Center on Tuesday when the San Jose Sharks play the Chicago Blackhawks (10 p.m. ET; NBCSN, NBCSCH+, NHL.TV).
Graysen's mom and dad are each Sharks employees.
Here is her story from NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers.
Nov. 4
Amazing Gray's inspiring fight against leukemia
Graysen Hooper is a 2-year-old girl from San Jose diagnosed with B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in November 2018. After eight months of treatment, she's battled back.
Now with her immune system stronger, the little girl nicknamed "Amazing Gray," joined by parents Patrick and Heather and baby sister Quinn, dropped the puck when the San Jose Sharks hosted Hockey Fights Cancer night against the Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center on Saturday.
Nov. 2
Predators, Wild, Sharks host Hockey Fights Cancer nights
The Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness night on Saturday.
The Predators wore special Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys for warmups prior to their 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers at Bridgestone Arena. The jerseys were signed, and went up for bids.
Before the game, the Predators invited cancer survivors to "ring the bell and let everyone in Smashville know."
All fans who attended the game got a Hockey Fights Cancer rally towel.
The Predators also sold Mystery Pucks, with proceeds going to the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund.
At Xcel Energy Center, survivors and cancer charities will be featured throughout the game between the Wild and St. Louis Blues (8 p.m. ET; FS-N, FS, MW, NHL.TV). Fans were encouraged to wear lavender to show their support, and many of the in-game elements incorporated the Hockey Fights Cancer theme.
The Wild also encouraged fans to download the "Xcel Energy Light It Up App" to be a part of the pregame show.
On Friday, Wild players and staff visited local hospitals
The Sharks are honoring those who are fighting cancer and those who've been lost when they host the Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m. ET; NBCSCA, CBC, SN1, SNP, NHL.TV).
Nov. 1
Blues hosting Hockey Fights Cancer night
The defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues will host their Hockey Fights Cancer night when they play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday (8 p.m. ET; FS-MW, FS-O, NHL.TV).
They took to Twitter to say who they are fighting for.
Hockey Fights Cancer month has official begun
The HFC ambassador this year is "NHL on NBC" Analyst Eddie Olczyk, who sat down with NHL.com to discusshis role and the campaign.
Several players took to social media to get their Hockey Fights Cancer message out. Here are some of their posts.
Oct. 31
Wagner honors friend on Hockey Fights Cancer night
Chris Wagner scored a goal for the Boston Bruins in a 5-1 win against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and got to honor his high school friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Wagner's high school friend, Tom Budreau, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma and recently started treatment at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute four days earlier.
NHL.com staff writer Amalie Benjamin has the story how Wagner has helped raise awareness and funds for his friend.
Oct. 29
Bruins hosting Hockey Fights Cancer night
The Boston Bruins will host their Hockey Fights Cancer night when they play the San Jose Sharks at TD Garden on Tuesday.
Here are the details of the Bruins night.
One of the highlights will be Quinn Waters dropping the ceremonial first puck. Here is Amalie Benjamin's story on the courageous 3-year-old.
Oct. 28
Blackhawks roll out Purple Carpet
The Chicago Blackhawks got this season's Hockey Fights Cancer campaign started.
More than 20 people who are battling cancer, are in remission or lost a loved one to the disease were honored at the third annual Purple Carpet, part of the Chicago Blackhawks' Hockey Fights Cancer night before they played the Los Angeles Kings at United Center on Sunday.
"NHL on NBC" analyst Eddie Olczyk and former Blackhawks forward Adam Burish emceed the event. Olczyk, the NHL Hockey Fights Cancer ambassador for this season, later signed copies of his book, "Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and In Life." A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers has the details from Chicago.
Mighty Quinn inspires Bruins
The Boston Bruins will hold their Hockey Fights Cancer night Oct. 29, and will have a special guest on hand.
NHL.com staff writer Amalie Benjamin has the story of a young boy who has inspired Bruins forward Charlie Coyle and his entire community.
Parros plays in Face off to Fight Cancer
George Parros, the NHL senior vice president of player safety and a former NHL player, joined actor Taylor Kitsch, rapper Matisyahu and other celebrities to play in the third annual Face off to Fight Cancer charity hockey game between the New York and New Jersey police departments at Chelsea Piers.
NHL.com staff writer Pat Pickens has the details of how Parros got to New York from Regina, Saskatchewan to play in the charity game.