The Ottawa Senators will join the leaguewide Hockey Fights Cancer initiative — now in its 27th season — on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre, when the Boston Bruins come to town. Doors open at 5 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start.
Hockey Fights Cancer Night presented by CIBC promises to be an emotional evening as fans help raise funds for oncology care in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early to witness a pair of touching moments ahead of the opening faceoff. Dylan, a 21-year-old blood cancer patient, will ring the ceremonial bell as a powerful symbol to mark the end of his treatments. Dylan recently completed eight rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation and will ring the bell as a show his strength and perseverance.
The ceremonial puck drop will feature two-year-old Grace, who is battling a rare form of neuroblastoma. Her family - who have stayed at Ronald McDonald House Ottawa - will accompany her on the ice, along with Michael and Lucie Andlauer. The Andlauer family is pledging to match all donations made inside Canadian Tire Centre and online for Hockey Fights Cancer Night presented by CIBC on Thursday.
All fans attending Thursday's game will receive 'I Fight For' placards to display their own personal connection to the cause. A placard photo station will be available for fans to take pictures at lower Gate 1. Mystery pucks autographed by Senators players will be available for $35, while 50/50 proceeds for the evening will go towards a handful of oncology and pediatric initiatives in Ottawa-Gatineau, including: CHEO, the Bryan Murray Legacy Fund, Canadian Blood Services and Maison Papillon.
More than a dozen suite owners and partners have generously donated more than 100 tickets for Hockey Fights Cancer presented by CIBC, allowing oncology kids and their families to attend Thursday's game. Tamy Bell will be selling Golden merchandise outside of section 106 in support of the Griffin Bell Golden Endowment Fund.
Canadian Blood Services will be in attendance to help raise awarness for the critical need for blood and plasma donations across the country.
The Senators Community Foundation has an aspirational goal to raise $100,000 this year in support of children’s oncology in our region. Link to donate.
