NEW YORK/TORONTO – Hockey fights cancer™ powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research, presented by AstraZeneca, is throwing the puck into a new seasonal campaign to build on the $12 million raised over the past two seasons.
Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint initiative of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), continues to unite the global hockey community through storytelling and meaningful events to raise money for cancer research, educate and empower more fans to learn more about the risk factors for cancer and to take action to get screened for certain types of cancer.
Since Foundation V was named the Official North American Fundraising Partner in 2023, Hockey Fights Cancer has dramatically expanded its reach and impact through the collective efforts of NHL clubs, players, coaches, corporate partners and fans. Of the total $8.2 million raised during the 2024-2025 season, Hockey Fights Cancer will direct more than $4.6 million directly to groundbreaking research at top cancer research institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Twenty-six research grants have been awarded in sixteen NHL markets over the past two seasons, with plans to fund even more groundbreaking research during the 2025-2026 season.
On October 28, “NHL Frozen Frenzy” on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+ and DISNEY+ will gather fans around a big night of NHL hockey, featuring all 32 teams in action and shining a light on Hockey Fights Cancer initiatives across the NHL. The evening also includes a public fundraising component for the V Foundation in support of Hockey Fights Cancer. The national spotlight remains on Hockey Fights Cancer during Prime Monday Night Hockey on November 3 (Prime Video in Canada), NHL on TNT’s coverage on November 4 (in the US) and on November 29 during Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet (in Canada). November will also continue to be a month of celebration for Hockey Fights Cancer across the league, and all 32 clubs will be hosting in-game awareness evenings throughout the season.
In this 27th season of Hockey Fights Cancer, the NHLPA, NHL and the V Foundation are proud to partner with a robust team of 11 HFC champions and counting. The HFC Champions serve as ambassadors for Hockey Fights Cancer initiatives, spreading awareness and using their platform and personal connection to the cause to mobilize and inspire fans to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
“I chose to be a part of Hockey Fights Cancer because it has impacted me in my life,” San Jose said Sharks forward, Mario Ferraro. “My mother, Erin Barfels, who I stayed with during my junior season with the Des Moines Buccaneers, passed away from cancer. She was a huge part of me being where I am today. Not just her, but her entire family. She was a warrior, she is a huge part of who I am today and where I am today, and it’s not just her that’s been affected, I have family members and my wife’s relatives that have been affected are. Hockey Fights Cancer means a lot to me and I know it’s not just me who is affected. I am very proud to represent Hockey Fights Cancer and raise awareness.”
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkinthe leading goal scorer in NHL history, continues THE GR8 HUNT FOR VICTORY OVER CANCER® this season. Ovechkin works with Washington CapitalsHockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise money for childhood cancer research for every regular season goal he scores throughout the remainder of his career.
The NHLPA and NHL are proud to continue working with AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca, the first-ever presenting sponsor of Hockey Fights Cancer in the US, has the bold ambition to one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death by following science to understand the complexities of cancer and deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Since November 2023, AstraZeneca has partnered with Hockey Fights Cancer, donating $800,000 to the V Foundation in support of Hockey Fights Cancer and highlighting an important public health campaign to educate and empower the hockey community Have your body checked for cancer.
New this season are Hyundai and Nicorette® as official sponsors of Hockey Fights Cancer in Canada. “Hyundai’s greatest saving grace” was launched in early October and will result in Hyundai Canada donating $10 to Hyundai Hope on Wheels for every savings made during the 2025-26 NHL season. The program is expected to contribute more than $700,000 to Hockey Fights Cancer through Hyundai Hope on Wheels for pediatric cancer research across Canada through the V Foundation. Nicorette® is committed to Helping Canadians break free from tobacco and nicotine. In alignment with this mission, Nicorette® is making donations in support of Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation this upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. Nicorette® will highlight the sponsorship during the month of November with lavender DED creative and use an NHL alumni to promote their efforts.
In collaboration with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), the Stanley Cup® Hope Lodge Tour enters its seventh season, surprising residents of Hope Lodge communities across the U.S. and Canada with the most iconic trophy in sports. In addition, “HFC assistanceis back for another year – a program that allows any hockey team to host its own Hockey Fights Cancer night to raise money for the work of the American Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society to support people with cancer. Hockey teams of all ages are once again encouraged to sign up for “HFC Assist” to contribute their efforts to the cause and resources including a best practices toolkit, fundraising starters, and free ACS and CSS tape and stickers.
Fans can purchase official Hockey Fights Cancer merchandise online at NHLShop.com And NHLShop.ca as well as customizable Hockey Fights Cancer”Skate skins” to show their support and donate to the NHL and NHLPA’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, powered by the V Foundation, presented by AstraZeneca by visiting the Web page Hockey fights cancer.
For all Hockey Fights Cancer news, follow @NHL, @NHLUnites, @NHLPR, @NHLPA and join the conversation using the official hashtag #HockeyFightsCancer.
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