Julia Frank

While fights happen on the ice, there’s an even bigger fight happening off of it: the fight against cancer. Since 1998 the NHL and NHLPA have teamed up to raise money and awareness for those affected by cancer. This is the Hockey Fights Cancer Initiative. Cancer is something that has affected most people, whether that is you, someone you know, or a family member. We have all heard of the struggles and challenges people face when battling this sickness, and the NHL has done their best to bring awareness to the cause. 

NHL Impact

The NHL has partnered with the Canadian Cancer Association and the American Cancer Association to provide assistance to those affected. Some of these ways include lodging when traveling for treatments and transportation to and from their appointments. This can help alleviate some of the financial burden from the patients and their caregivers, who are oftentimes family members. The V Foundation is one of their biggest partners and supporters, as all direct donations go straight to cancer research. You can read more about them here. V Foundation

All 32 teams in the NHL participate in this initiative. Each team chooses a night in November to have a Hockey Fights Cancer Night at one of their home games. The lavender ribbon represents all cancer fighters and is prominently shown through the arenas. Support is essential for those battling cancer, this initiative shows how they have a community. Not only are these games encouraging them to keep motivated, but the acknowledgement of the players creates an even deeper connection to the game. HFC night also has its own logo and accompanying merchandise to buy.

Avalanche Impact

Even though cancer is a heavy topic, the Avalanche have created opportunities for both the fans and patients to engage throughout the game. Outside of Ball Arena, the lights illuminating the building change depending on which Colorado sport plays there that night, but for the Hockey Fights Cancer game, the lights become lavender for the cancer ribbon. This is the initial welcome to the arena that night. Other buildings downtown display lavender lighting as well to show their support. But before this day, a few special cancer warriors have already had a full day of recognition. In October, they got to attend a practice session and have a meet and greet with the players afterwards. I’m sure this was a bright spot in everyone’s day. And in November, when the game happened, they were brought onto the ice during lineups and recognized in front of all their fellow Avalanche fans. Before they were brought onto the ice though, they had their own lockers with a name card and a lavender jersey for them to wear throughout the night. 

For the rest of the Avs fans in attendance, placards with “I Fight for…” written on them were handed out as they walked in. They had the chance to write who they support and take a picture with it in a photobooth. Giving everyone the chance to remember someone they care about in this capacity is meaningful. If this isn’t something you feel you have a connection to, a station for writing letters to cancer patients was another opportunity. The small act of writing a card can brighten someone’s day. You don’t know the impact you will have on someone, this could be just the thing someone needs on a particularly rough day. I encourage you to read more about the Avalanche’s HFC Night.

Remember the impact you have on people and how that can be a source of light for them.