The Red Wings are inviting 40 doctors, cancer researchers and nurses to Saturday's game to be recognized for their tireless work, and three special virtual Puck Drop Captains selected by the American Cancer Society will conduct ceremonial puck drops before each period.
Socially distanced in-arena initiatives also include a special National Anthem singer, Youth Skater of the Game, Fans of the Game and videoboard tributes to cancer survivors, researchers and volunteers.
Saturday's Anthem singer is Grand Rapids resident Shannon Giles, who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 31. Giles is now celebrating 22 years of remission, and said she owes much of her fight to her faith, her family and her three sons.
The puck drop captains are 11-year-old cancer survivor Grace Schmid, American Cancer Society representative Diane Denoyer and University of Michigan doctor Brock Humphries.
Schmid is a Sparta, Michigan resident who overcame retinoblastoma and whose parents and three siblings are active volunteers with the American Cancer Society. Denoyer is a 30-year ACS volunteer and is a top fundraiser in northern Michigan. And Humphries is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Radiology at the University of Michigan whose work is funded by the ACS with the goal to identify new therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
"While only a select number of fans can be present at Little Caesars Arena for Hockey Fights Cancer Night this season, we're making sure the experience at home is just as impactful," Brown said. "Through online auctions, interactive downloads and "
Hockeytown Home Ice
," presented by Bud Light, we're bringing Hockey Fights Cancer Night into the homes and hearts of our Red Wings fans around the world."
Fans attending the game or watching from home are encouraged to visit
DetroitRedWings.com/HockeyFightsCancer
where they can download and fill out an "I Fight For" card to recognize someone in their life affected by cancer. "I Fight For" cards can be submitted through DetroitRedWings.com or @DetroitRedWings on social media to possibly be used in a special segment during the game.
Puck drop for Hockey Fights Cancer Night is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, with the TV broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit. Join us as we unite in the fight against cancer!