The Chicago Blackhawks are teaming up with the National Hockey League Players Association and the National Hockey League in October for Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month. This is the 13th year of the initiative. This year, the NHLPA has partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Prostate Cancer Canada, ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The goal is to raise funds and awareness for these important causes.
The NHL and the NHLPA will distribute more than $475,000 in grants to these four organizations as well as local cancer charities in all 30 NHL markets. For the 13th straight year, the NHL and the NHLPA will mobilize the entire hockey community in hopes of exceeding the $650,000 raised as part of last year's efforts.
In conjunction with this monthlong campaign, the Blackhawks will host "Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night" on Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Hawks host the Nashville Predators at the United Center.
Among activities that night will be a ceremonial puck drop, and pick pucks will be available for purchase on the concourse.
Logan Molenhouse, a 12-year-old from Mokena who has defeated cancer three times, will perform the ceremonial puck drop prior to the game. The Blackhawks will also be hosting a pink puck sale on the United Center concourse with all proceeds benefiting the Vera Bradley Foundation, which raises funds for breast cancer research. Other concourse tables around the arena will feature different cancer organizations while the silent auction will benefit pediatric cancer research.
This will mark the first year fans will be able to contribute via cell phone.
Starting today, U.S. residents can text HFC to 90999 to make a $5 U.S. donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Canadian residents can text HFC to 45678 to make a $5 CAD donation to the Canadian chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A one-time charge of $5 U.S. or CAD will be added to the donor's mobile phone bill. Message and data rates may apply
Lavender, the color that represents all cancer causes, will be worn by the hockey community throughout October.
'Hockey Fights Cancer' is a joint charitable initiative founded in December 1998 by the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association. It is supported by players, NHL member clubs, NHL alumni, the NHL Officials’ Association, professional hockey athletic trainers and equipment managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners and fans throughout North America. The goal of "Hockey Fights Cancer" is to raise money and awareness for national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research. To date, "Hockey Fights Cancer" has raised more than $10.5 million.
You can do your share by donating to the cause and by purchasing special apparel and other items throughout October.