Hockey Fights Cancer daily digest

Welcome to the Hockey Fights Cancer Daily Digest. Though Hockey Fights Cancer is now a year-round campaign, most teams will be having their Hockey Fights Cancer nights during the month of November. NHL.com will provide all the highlights from each night as well as stories about the campaign.

Jan. 5

The New York Rangers hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Madison Square Garden on Monday.

Players filled out their “I Fight For” placards before the game.

Fans also had the opportunity to fill out their cards during the game.

For the national anthem, the Rangers invited Trevor Strader, who sand in honor of his late father, Dave, who lost his battle to cancer in 2017.

Also, Daniel Segura from Cohen Children’s Medical Center will be ringing the ceremonial bell during the game, and the Rangers will be honoring Dr. Wesley Talcott from Northwell Health Cancer Center, and his patient John Poullas.

Dec. 15

The St. Louis Blues welcomed back a familiar face who helped serve as an inspiration on Hockey Fights Cancer Night.

Former forward Kelly Chase, who spent eight of his 11 NHL seasons with the Blues, addressed the crowd and thanked them for the support. Chase was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a form of blood and bone marrow cancer in November 2023. He made an emotional address to fans in attendance.

"I want to thank you all for being here tonight and supporting this cause," Chase said, flanked by his doctor and former teammates including former Blues captains Garth Butcher and Bernie Federko. "The one thing I have to live for is the support I get from all of you. Thank you so much for all you do for the city of St. Louis... Hold your cards high because I know you are supporting yourself or somebody in this cancer fight... Let's beat the hell out of this thing."

Chase, a fierce enforcer who was the 1998 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner for Leadership and Humanitarian Contribution, was just one part of the special night.

A young fan, Bell D'Amico, was diagnosed with Leukemia B-cell ALL and underwent treatment for over two years. Now in remission, she performed the ceremonial puck drop.

Enterprise Center was decked out in purple and players made their way into the arena and to the ice.

Blues players also hung up their "I Fight For..." cards to support their friends and loved ones

Earlier in the week, the Blues visited Siteman Cancer Center with the team sharing the special moment on social media.

Nov. 29

The New Jersey Devils hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Prudential Center on Saturday.

A young cancer survivor, Trevor Bobev, joined the team during player arrivals rocking a purple Hockey Fights Cancer jersey. On Tuesday, the Devils hosted Trevor and his family for practice.

The 7-year-old helped announced the starters in the Devils locker room and performed the ceremonial puck drop before the team's game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Los Angeles Kings also hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena.

The team walked in wearing their special edition purple and white jerseys, which were later auctioned off for the Kings Care Foundation.

Nov. 25

To celebrate their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Tuesday during the game against the Dallas Stars, the Edmonton Oilers players arrived into Rogers Place wearing lavender Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys.

Each player signed his jersey before the walk-ins to the arena.

Nov. 24

The Tampa Bay Lightning hosted its Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Prior to the game, the team hosted a “Purple Carpet” event, inviting fans who have been impacted by cancer outside of Benchmark International Arena.

During arrivals, players were escorted by pediatric cancer patients from 1Voice Foundation to the arena. Players also had on their lavender “Hockey Fights Cancer” jerseys.

Players rocked their “Hockey Fights Cancer” hats during warmups to go along with the purple tape on their sticks.

Players also filled out their “I Fight For” cards, and fans were invited to do the same during the game.

The ceremonial puck drop was presented by Terry Montrose, a leukemia survivor and retired senior master sergeant in the United States Air Force. He was joined by Lightning forward Jake Guentzel and Flyers captain Sean Couturier.

The team had various other in-game moments and recognitions throughout the night.

Nov. 23

The Winnipeg Jets hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Sunday before their game against the Minnesota Wild at Canada Life Centre.

Players started the evening by walking into the arena with their “I Fight For” cards.

Before the game, the team showed a tribute video on the big screen, honoring the four Hockey Fights Cancer ambassadors and everyone else who has been affected by cancer.

The four ambassadors, Josiah, Noah, Sunny, Tristan, along with their parents, made their way to center ice to participate in the ceremonial puck drop with Jets captain Adam Lowry and Wild captain Jared Spurgeon.

Nov. 22

The Calgary Flames held their Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday.

Six children cancer patients joined the Flames on the ice during starting lineups.

A young pediatric cancer patient rang the bell before puck drop.

The Utah Mammoth hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Delta Center on Saturday.

The Mammoth rocked the purple jerseys as they arrived at the arena. During warmups, the wrapped their sticks with purple tape.

A young cancer patient performed the ceremonial puck drop before the game.

The Washington Capitals hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Night during their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.

During player arrivals, the Capitals sported the Hockey Fights Cancer purple jerseys.

The Capitals used purple tape on their sticks during warmups. Alex Ovechkin tossed a special Hockey Fights Cancer Capitals hat in the stands that a lucky fan caught.

Young cancer patients joined the Capitals on the ice before puck drop.

A cancer patient named Sutton rang the bell to signify being cancer free.

The Nashville Predators also celebrated Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Saturday and walked in with the special purple jerseys.

A young fan stood outside Bridgestone Arena in front of the cancer free bell with a sign that read she beat cancer three times.

A young cancer survivor named Za'Mani performed the cermonial puck drop before the game.

The New York Islanders hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Saturday during their game against the St. Louis Blues.

Before the game, players arrived to UBS Arena wearing pink Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys, walking in with various local children who are battling cancer.

Players taped their sticks purple for warmups in support of the cause.

Before the game, the team played a tribute video honoring those who are battling the disease and invited six young patients to participate in the ceremonial puck drop with Islanders captain Anders Lee and Blues captain Brayden Schenn.

Cancer survivors Jordan, Matthew, and Riley, also got to ring the bell with Sparky, the Islanders mascot.

Nov. 21

The Pittsburgh Penguins welcomed an esteemed guest to PPG Paints Arena on Friday, 9-year-old Matteo Galeana.

Galeana is an oncology patient from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and, decked out in a purple Hockey Fights Cancer Penguins jersey and hat, got to read the starting lineups in the Penguins locker room.

Of course he had a bit of help along the way. Penguins coach Dan Muse made sure he went over some names with the young lad, preparing him well in advance of the big moment and assistant coach Mike Stothers, himself a cancer survivor, ushered Matteo into the room to give him a bit of extra courage.

Nov. 20

The Philadelphia Flyers hosted a slew of special guests for their Hockey Fights Cancer Night, none more special than 15-year-old Layton Kovall.

Kovall, whose mother is battling brain cancer, was the state of Pennsylvania's top fundraiser for cancer research for the 2025 October Saves campaign, singlehandedly raising over $6,000.

On Thursday, he was invited to read the Flyers starting lineup.

The Detroit Red Wings also hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Thursday and one of their honored guests was 6-year-old Carson Jones, who is slated to undergo his final treatment one week from now before he is officially in remission.

Carson met the team's coaching staff and read the read out the team's starting lineup before their game.

Nov. 18

The Vegas Golden Knights hosted Hockey Fights Caner Night during their matchup against the New York Rangers at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday.

Fans filled out their "I Fight For" signs in one section of the arena.

Pediatric cancer patients from "Cure 4 The Kids" stood with players on the ice during the National Anthem.

One young patient had the opporunity to ring the siren.

Nov. 16

The Colorado Avalanche hosted its Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Sunday during the game against the New York Islanders at Ball Arena.

Six cancer warriors were recognized during the night: Teryn Howell, Kate Showalter, Jackson Stroud, Karissa Goossen, Danny Packard and Colin Kiesel.

Earlier in the year, these fans joined the team at morning skate and met some of the Avalanche players.

Ball Arena was decorated for the occasion, with lots of purple around the entire building (inside and out). “I Fight For” posters were hung up on the along the player entrance tunnel into the arena.

Avalanche players arrived wearing special Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys.

Avalanche forward Martin Necas rocked a sleek purple suit for his arrival.

Coach Mark Cooper of the Colorado Rampage amateur hockey team was honored as the Coach of the Game and got the crowd pumped him by setting off the horn pregame.

Cooper, a 39-year military veteran, has coached hockey for over 35 years and is currently fighting cancer.

Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, who lost his mother to cancer in 2023, spoke about the importance of Hockey Fights Cancer.

“It’ll be nice to recognize people who are fighting cancer, have fought cancer or are going through it right now,” Manson told the media before the game.

“It’s a horrific disease,” he continued. “It doesn’t just affect the person necessarily; it’s the family, it’s the friends. There are a lot of people who are affected by it. Shining a light on that and letting people know that we’re fighting with them.”

Nov. 16

The Minnesota Wild hosted its Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Sunday during its game against the Vegas Golden Nights at Grand Casino Arena.

To kick off the evening, Wild players arrived at the arena with their “I Fight For” posters.

The players warmed up with purple tape on their sticks.

Before the game, 8-year-old Breckon Sedam, who has been fighting Leukemia since he was three, was the Hockey Fights Cancer honoree and honorary flagbearer. The young fan skated onto the ice in full gear carrying a Hockey Fights Cancer flag.

Finally, the team welcomed back 10-year-old Weston Paszkiewicz, who signed a one-day contract with the team last month as part of a Make-A-Wish day with the team.

"It put perspective on what you're going through and what it is," Wild coach John Hynes said after his day with Weston in October. "I mean, we're doing something we love. We're coaching a game we love. We're playing a game we love. Yes, there's highs and lows in what you do, but you have the opportunity to come out and make someone's day.”

Nov. 14

The Florida Panthers will hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Saturday, including a jersey raffle to give fans a chance to own a unique sweater.

Ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they are auctioning off selected HFC gear.

Click here for details.

Nov. 13

The Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets each held their Hockey Fights Cancer nights on Nov. 13.

The Senators hosted the Boston Bruins at Canadian Tire Center and welcomed a familiar face in Grace Neal, a young patient from CHEO who the team met during a holiday visit last year.

The Senators also welcomed 21-year-old Dylan McGregor, who recently completed treatment and was able to ring the bell in front of a crowd of his fellow Senators fans.

The Blue Jackets played hosts to the Edmonton Oilers for their Hockey Fights Cancer night.

The players tunnel out to the ice was lined with special guests, clad in their white and purple jerseys.

The Blue Jackets also introduced their Foundation Heroes on the ice to loud applause from the fans at Nationwide Arena.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, forward Rickard Rakell and mascot Iceburgh visted young cancer patients at Karolinska Hospital in Stochholm, Sweden. The team is currently there for 2025 NHL Global Series.

Nov. 8

The Montreal Canadiens hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Night before a game against the Utah Mammoth on Saturday, inviting a plethora of young warriors from Leucan, a Quebec-based non-profit organization that supports children with cancer through treatment, to share in the pregame ceremonies.

The team welcomed young warriors from the area to stand on the ice with the Canadiens and Mammoth for the pregame anthems. Each kid had their name announced with their player.

Before the game, the team made some changes to the locker room decor, lining the walls with the Legaue's "I Fight For" cards.

Canadiens players' wives and girlfriends also met with the group ahead of the game.

But no moment was sweeter than the applause for Nathan, a young patient from Leucan, who was able to ring the bell near center ice to signify the completion of his treatments.

Nov. 8

The Vancouver Canucks had some special guests on their Hockey Fights Cancer Night Saturday.

Singer/songwriter Shawn Hook, a cancer survivor, performed both the Canadian and American national anthems before the game.

The team also had their own wall covered with "I Fight For" cards with names of special people written on them.

One of the team's Stars of the Game, Xavier, was diagnosed with leukemia just before his 5th birthday and is now cancer-free.

The Canucks also welcomed Zander, who has had multiple surgeries after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

And, in another special moment in Vancouver, young cancer survivor Bryce Lambert and his family were given the honor of the ceremonial puck drop.

Nov. 6

Though the Winnipeg Jets have a few weeks before their Hockey Fights Cancer night on Nov. 23, they shared on Thursday the emotional story of Sunny, a kindergartener from Manitoba who has completed treatment Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Here is the story.

Also, the Columbus Blue Jackets will hold their HFC night next week. They released details for their night here.

Nov. 5

During TNT's Hockey Fights Cancer broadcast on Wednesday, analyst Eddie Olczyk shared a special and emotional message about his cancer fight.

Click here for details.

Nov. 4

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson sported special blazer in honor of his late mother, Lana, before their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.

Lana Manson lost her battle with cancer in 2023.

The purple lining of the blazer features pictures of Manson and his mother, including one from when the defenseman won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.

Nov. 2

The San Jose Sharks held their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Sunday at the SAP Center during their game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Every fan in attendance got a lavender scarf to participate in an in-game moment honoring those affected by cancer.

Fans also got to sign an “I Fight For” poster.

Players warmed up in special Hockey Fights Cancer gear, including caps and winter hats.

During the starting lineup announcements, five youth patients from Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara joined the players at the blue line.

For the ceremonial pregame puck drop, 17-year-old Ginger kicked things off with Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro and Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin.

During the game, Sharks players Vincent Desharnais and Nick Leddy hosted pediatric oncology patients and their families in a Penthouse Suite for the game.

Sharks mascot S.J. Sharkie visited the fans in their suite.

After the game, attendees will enjoy a private meet-and-greet with Desharnais and Leddy.

Desharnais and Leddy will host multiple suite experiences throughout the season for children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

Nov. 1

The Buffalo Sabres kicked off their Hockey Fights Cancer Night walking the purple carpet with patients from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

During warmups before their game against the Washington Capitals, the Sabres sported purple tape on their sticks.

Cancer survivor Megan Woodward performed the ceremonial puck drop between Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin.

Oct. 30

The Minnesota Wild signed a new player Thursday, inking Weston Paszkiewicz to a one-day contract.

After signing the contract, the 10-year-old went into the Wild lockerroom, where he had his own stall and jersey waiting for him.

He then took the ice with the Wild and scored a few goals, getting cheers from the entire team.

Weston was diagnosed with Leukemia in January. Signing with the Wild was done with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"It put perspective on what you're going through and what it is," Wild coach Jon Hynes said. "I mean, we're doing something we love. We're coaching a game we love. We're playing a game we love. Yes, there's highs and lows in what you do, but you have the opportunity to come out and make someone's day. A kid like him, that's great. He's fighting for his life and he's in a real tough situation. You see the support that his family has and I think the guys were great with him. It's special. I think the more that you can do that and probably the impact that it has on him, to see him score a goal, the smile on his face as he's coming out, playing with NHL players is awesome."

Oct. 29

The San Jose Sharks found a way to combine Halloween and their Hockey Fights Cancer night.

Players Vincent Desharnais, Tyler Toffoli, Nick Leddy, and mascot SJ Sharkie, donned Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costumes Thursday and visited kids at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara.

The Sharks will host their HFC night on Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings.

Check out the photos and videos below.

The Buffalo Sabres are also getting ready for their Hockey Fights Cancer night on Saturday, when they host the Washington Capitals.

All fans in attendance at KeyBank Center will get a free HFC scarf. Check out the details here.

Oct. 28

The New York Islanders and Northwell Health held a Hockey Fights Cancer media day for seven children. Check out the photos below.

Oct. 25

The Florida Panthers were not only on the ice Saturday, there were Panthers on the prowl.

As part of their Pink at the Rink night, the defending Stanley Cup champs had Panthers on the Prowl all over Amerant Bank Arena.

Launched in March with the American Cancer Society (ACS), Panthers GM Bill Zito and his wife, Julie, a breast cancer survivor, created Panthers on the Prowl, a fundraising campaign to support cancer research.

Inspired by Chicago's famous Cows on Parade, each donor to Panthers on the Prowl receives a blank life-sized panther sculpture to design in any way they’d choose.

“We wanted to do something different,” Julie said at the launch of the initiative. “People want to be more involved in something unique that other people can see.”

Check out the Panthers' Pink at the Rink gear here.

Oct. 23

The Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues are the first teams to hold their Hockey Fights Cancer nights in the 2025-26 season.

For the Bruins, lavender will be the dominant color during their game against the Anaheim Ducks at TD Garden.

You can read all about their night, including an auction, right here.

The Blues, meanwhile, will turn Enterprise Center pink for their Pink at the Rink night when they host the Utah Mammoth.

Here are all the details about their night.