Hockey Fights Cancer is a charitable initiative of the US and Canadian National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) dedicated to raising money and awareness toward cancer research. The initiative unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families to raise money and awareness for national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research.
Founded in 1998, Hockey Fights Cancer emerged from a program started by the Tampa Bay Lightning after former player John Cullen's battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Tampa Bay Lightning forward John Cullen was leading his team in scoring late in the 1996-97 NHL season when he was forced out of the lineup after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cullen's cancer inspired Timm Harmon of the Moffitt Cancer Centre at the University of South Florida to partner with the Lightning to raise awareness and money for cancer research.
Lavender, the official color of Hockey Fights Cancer, represents all cancers and is prominently featured throughout the campaign.
Each year, various NHL teams show their support through special events and commemorative jerseys.
Here's an overview of how different teams have participated:
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- Philadelphia Flyers: For the second time in the organization's history, Flyers players wore limited-edition purple warm-up jerseys with the "Hockey Fights Cancer" patch affixed to the right breast. The jersey was autographed after it was worn by #28 Claude Giroux.
- Rockford IceHogs: The Rockford IceHogs unveiled their second annual Hockey Fights Cancer jersey, which the team will don on Nov. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The limited-edition jerseys are lavender and feature a uniquely designed crest with a silhouette of downtown Rockford in dark purple. The letters “RFD” are printed in bold above the city skyline for the initials of Rockford, Illinois. Both the letters and city silhouette are printed with a white and gray background to provide a striking contrast.
- Columbus Blue Jackets: The Columbus Blue Jackets join the National Hockey League in support of Hockey Fights Cancer by hosting the club’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer night presented by OhioHealth on Thursday, November 13, 2025, vs.
- Hershey Bears: Place your bid now on this 2024-25 Hershey Bears Hockey Fights Cancer Jersey Issued to and Signed by #65 Garrett Roe.
These special sweaters are often auctioned off to raise funds for cancer research and support.
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Fans have several avenues to bid on these unique jerseys:
- Blind-Silent Auction: Fans in attendance can bid via blind-silent auction in the concourse in front of the jersey wall behind section 123. The blind-silent auction will close with five minutes remaining in the second intermission.
- Jersey Raffle: Two jerseys will be available in the IceHogs jersey raffle. Raffle tickets are $5 or six tickets for $25.
- Online Auction: Three jerseys will be made available on the IceHogs app through DASH, an online auction platform. and conclude on Saturday, Nov. 30 at noon. Three jerseys will be auctioned on the IceHogs eBay page beginning Tuesday, Dec.
A Hockey Fights Cancer night in Pittsburgh on November 5, 2018 was especially memorable; cancer survivor Brian Boyle of the New Jersey Devils, who had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in September 2017, scored his first NHL hat trick as the Devils defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1.
The Flyers-MeiGray Group Game-Worn Jersey Authentication Program is proud to offer fans and collectors across the globe the opportunity to own a piece of history. Each item was authenticated by a Flyers-MeiGray Group Game-Worn Jersey Authentication Program Director immediately after it was used. Each jersey has been security-tagged, serial-numbered, and registered into the NHL-MGG Population Report.
A portion of the proceeds from these auctions benefits various charities.
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The initiative has significantly contributed to cancer research and support, raising millions of dollars since its inception.
Here's a glimpse at the financial impact:
The Hockey Fights Cancer initiative highlights the hockey community's commitment to fighting cancer, with teams, players, and fans uniting to support this important cause.
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