Preds Raise $76,000 During Hockey Fights Cancer Month, Efforts Continuing

Despite the lack of a traditional setting to raise funds and spread awareness this time around, Nashville's Hockey Fights Cancer efforts were just as successful - and they're not done yet.
Thanks to the Smashville fanbase, the Predators Foundation has raised more than $76,000 through the annual, month-long initiative created by the NHL and the NHLPA to unite the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families across North America.
Normally, the Predators would have hosted their own Hockey Fights Cancer game at Bridgestone Arena accompanied in-person efforts all throughout the month of November, but like the Preds have done so many times in 2020, they adapted.

"This has been a crazy year and we are all waiting for hockey to start, but our desire to raise money and awareness for cancer research is unwavering," Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King said. "We have the most passionate fans and dedicated players who bring our programs and events to life, and for that we are grateful. Some heroes are currently in treatment, and through Zoom calls with players and programs we fund at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt - Beads of Courage and Flashes of Hope - we are creating a happy moment. The fight is ongoing, and we will continue to support these amazing kids and their families."
The Preds did so through a number of new and restricted initiatives, including the addition of a Hockey Fights Cancer store which raised more than $11,000 by selling Preds-themed HFC merchandise.
Five different silent auctions were held and raised more than $57,000 dollars, including plates decorated by Children's Hospital patients and signed by Preds players. Instead of the in-person visits at the hospital usually made by those on the Nashville roster, players instead chatted with their friends virtually through weekly Zoom calls with Seacrest Studios, raising the spirits of patients and their families.
The Hockey Fights Cancer Survivor Bell was placed at Ford Ice Center Antioch during the month of November, and both Ford Ice locations served as destinations where fans and visitors alike could fill out the popular "I Fight For" signs with the names of loved ones facing their own battles. Lavender pucks were also for sale with proceeds benefiting HFC efforts.

On social media, the Predators Foundation highlighted a different HFC Hero every day in November with a mix of current and former patients from Children's Hospital who have been affected by cancer.
Survivor Marshall Billingsley also told his story
and how the Predators helped him through the fight of his life.
A traditional ceremony was unable to be held, but Preds goaltender Pekka Rinne
still made it out to the hospital for a socially distanced check presentation on behalf of the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily
. The check totaled $365,000.20 in donations and in-kind contributions to benefit the life-changing pediatric cancer research that is conducted at Children's Hospital.
And even though Hockey Fights Cancer month has now come to a close, the Preds aren't about to stop their efforts. As December arrives, the Predators are beginning their goal to raise $36,500 throughout the month to benefit the 365 Fund.
The Foundation has set up a GoFundMe campaign
, and in honor of the Preds goaltender and co-founder of the 365 Fund, the Preds are asking fans to make a $35 donation - Rinne's number, of course - to help those in need. The campaign runs through the end of December, and over $3,000 has already been raised by the Loyal Legion of Smashville.
Thanks to you, Preds fans, the fight against cancer continues to accelerate for the better, even when we can't be together.