SAINT PAUL, MIN. -- The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild today announced it will host Hockey Fights Cancer™ Awareness Night presented by Regions Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 18, when the team hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5 p.m. on Wild+ and KFAN FM 100.3. Cancer patients, survivors and cancer charities will be featured throughout the game, and many of the in-game elements will incorporate the Hockey Fights Cancer theme.
Minnesota Wild to Host Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night on Sunday, October 18
Fans attending Sunday’s game are encouraged to wear lavender to show their support. The night will be dedicated to supporting the fight against cancer in numerous ways:
- A special Hockey Fights Cancer ticket package is available and includes a Minnesota Wild/Hockey Fights Cancer sweatshirt and a postgame group photo at center ice. A portion of each ticket purchased benefits Crescent Cove.
- The Minnesota Wild Foundation will host a Hockey Fights Cancer Mystery Puck sale. Pucks will be on sale in-game only at section 104 from the time gates open and while supplies last. A $35 Mystery Puck purchase guarantees you a themed puck autographed by a member of the 2026-27 Minnesota Wild. Cashless purchases only. Proceeds will benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation.
- Fans are invited to fill out a Hockey Fights Cancer “I Fight For” sign, which will be available at various locations throughout the arena. Fans will be asked to raise their signs during a designated time during the second period. Fans not in attendance at the game can also participate by downloading a “I Fight For” sign at Wild.com/HFC, filling in who or what cancer cause they fight for, and sharing a picture of their card by tagging #MNWild and #hockeyfightscancer on any social media platform.
- Devin Paszkiewicz, sister of Weston, a Minnesota Wild Make a Wish recipient that passed away from cancer last season, will be the game’s honorary flag bearer.
- Mason, a 6-year-old who is currently battling cancer for the second time, will participate in Blue Line Buddies with his brothers and friends.
- Jim Petersen, former professional basketball player and current television analyst for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as well as a cancer survivor, will announce Let’s Play Hockey.
- Several local non-profits in the cancer community will have concourse tables throughout Grand Casino Arena.
- Following Minnesota Wild’s Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night, the Wild Foundation’s November Edition of the Greater State of Hockey Online Auction will feature Hockey Fights Cancer themed memorabilia including locker room nameplates and banners autographed by members of the 2026-27 Minnesota Wild. The Greater State of Hockey Online Auction - November Edition will open at 3 p.m. on November 9 and run through 8 p.m. on November 16. Proceeds will benefit the Wild Foundation. For more information or to browse and bid go to wild.com/onlineauctions or text WildNovember to 76278.
- Hockey Fights Cancer merchandise is available for purchase at The Hockey Lodge at Grand Casino Arena and at hockeylodge.com.
- Fans can also donate to Crescent Cove at Grand Casino Arena point-of-sale locations throughout October.
Each season, the Minnesota Wild supports Hockey Fights Cancer™, a joint initiative of the NHL and the NHLPA. The Foligno Face-Off, a special fundraising initiative during the 2025-26 season, featured Marcus and Nick Foligno raising funds for breast cancer research in honor of their late mother, Janis Foligno. The campaign raised more than $200,000 to support a new breast cancer research grant in Minnesota through the V Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer. Marcus and Nick continue to serve as Hockey Fights Cancer Champions. Through their leadership, advocacy and personal connection to the cause, they help strengthen the initiative’s impact by raising awareness, fostering community engagement and encouraging fans to support the ongoing fight against cancer.
About Hockey Fights Cancer™
Founded in 1998 by the NHL and NHLPA, the first national cause program pioneered by a major sports league, the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative powered by the V Foundation presented by AstraZeneca has raised more than $53 million since its inception. Since partnering with the V Foundation and AstraZeneca, Hockey Fights Cancer has raised more than $21.3 million over the past three seasons. For additional information on Hockey Fights Cancer or to donate to the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, please visit hockeyfightscancer.com.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $500 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
