Hockey Fights Cancer

The National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA), and ACS will team up for the third year to support cancer patients and their families through Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC). 

Founded in 1998, Hockey Fights Cancer has raised more than $25 million for research institutions, hospitals, charities, and support services. This year funds will go to patient services, including Hope Lodge, Road To Recovery, and other support services to inspire hope and courage in those living with, going through, and moving past cancer. Proceeds support the work of the ACS, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Movember Foundation. 

To donate and learn more, go to cancer.org/hockey. Also, watch this video.

November is Hockey Fights Cancer month across the NHL

All 31 NHL clubs and participating American Hockey League (AHL) clubs will raise money to support ACS through a variety of activations. The games will feature lavender dasher boards (lavender representing all cancers), lavender apparel on coaches and broadcasters, and players will wear special jerseys and use lavender stick tape. 

The league will host a Hockey Fights Cancer night on November 16, as well as specific team games that will benefit ACS. These include the Boston Bruins game held on October 29, the Detroit Redwings game on November 8, and the Philadelphia Flyers game on November 25.

This season offers even more ways to engage hockey fans, players, and communities in the fight against cancer:

• Hockey Fights Cancer Assist – launched in 2018; this program was developed to engage youth and local leagues across the country in the fight against cancer. Seventy-seven teams participated in 2018, this year the program has grown substantially, with more than 125 teams participating already.

• 2019 Ambassador Eddie Olczyk (a.k.a. Eddie O) -  NHL player and cancer survivor, has teamed up with Hockey Fights Cancer this year to share his story and lend his voice to the cause. He will host a signing for his book “Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life” on November 5 at the NHL Store in NYC, with book proceeds going to HFC. Eddie O will also do a skating session with the first HFC Assist team to reach a $10,000 fundraising goal on Crowdrise. 

• The Stanley Cup Hope Lodge Tour will be visiting the Boston Hope Lodge on November 20, the Hope Lodge in New York City on November 21, and the Hope Lodge in St. Louis on November 23.  Player alumni and NHL staff will be in attendance to increase awareness about the campaign. 

• Sweepstakes for NHL Awards in Vegas – details are being finalized for the NHL sweepstakes tied to the NHL Awards begin held in Las Vegas in June 2020, which honor the best players in several categories. 

• Hockey Fights Cancer merchandise sales through the NHL Shop will also support HFC, with a percentage of the proceeds coming to ACS. 

Fans can get involved by using the hashtag #HockeyFightsCancer or visiting the official website to download an “I Fight For” card and see the full calendar of events.