Hockey Fights Cancer is back on the NHL calendar for its 28th season, with all 32 clubs set to carry the initiative into their buildings and broadcasts while fundraising efforts turn toward cancer research, screening awareness and patient support.
The season’s opening spotlight comes with NHL Frozen Frenzy, airing in the United States on ESPN2, Disney+ and the ESPN App. The League-wide slate will feature Hockey Fights Cancer stories for a third consecutive year and raise money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation are also putting $100,000 into cancer research in connection with the event.
The lavender-themed push will remain in view through national broadcasts on Wednesday Night Hockey in Canada, NHL on TNT in the United States and Saturday Night Hockey on Sportsnet. Every NHL club will stage an in-arena awareness night during the season, with November again serving as the central month for the campaign.
Sixteen Hockey Fights Cancer Champions are involved this season, bringing their own connections to the cause into community outreach and fundraising. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson and Utah Mammoth forward Clayton Keller will be at the center of a new fundraising sweepstakes, The Winter Face-Off: The Ultimate Fan Sweepstakes, which runs through the first two months of the schedule and leads into the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic.
Manson’s mother, Lana, and Keller’s grandfather, Bill Simpson, both died of cancer. Their campaign will bring Avalanche and Mammoth fans together in support of V Foundation research, with an NHL Winter Classic experience offered as the prize.
Research dollars continue to climb
Hockey Fights Cancer has grown considerably since the V Foundation became its official North American fundraising partner in 2023. Over the last three seasons, 42 research grants spanning numerous cancer types have gone to projects in 22 NHL markets. More research support is planned in 2026-27.
The initiative raised $9.1 million during the 2025-26 season, with more than $4.6 million of that total earmarked for research at leading cancer institutions in the United States and Canada. Since its creation by the NHL and NHLPA in 1998, Hockey Fights Cancer has generated more than $53 million. More than $21.3 million has been raised during the three-year partnership involving the V Foundation and AstraZeneca.
This season’s “It’s Personal” campaign will feature fans and cancer survivors whose lives have been touched by the disease. The stories will run across League marketing and fundraising efforts, emphasizing the personal stakes behind the annual campaign and urging fans to support both research and recommended screening.
AstraZeneca returns as presenting sponsor in the United States, continuing its Get Body Checked Against Cancer public-health program, which encourages fans to speak with their doctors about routine screenings. Since November 2023, AstraZeneca has contributed $1.2 million to the V Foundation in support of Hockey Fights Cancer.
In Canada, Hyundai’s Greatest Save program will again turn regular-season stops into support for pediatric cancer research and care. Hyundai will donate $10 for every NHL save in 2026-27 after contributing more than $1 million to pediatric research last season. The program is projected to supply more than $700,000, while Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation will add $300,000 to bring the expected total impact back to $1 million.
Nicorette, the NHL’s official quit-smoking partner, is adding $100,000 to Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation during the 2026-27 season. A November podcast episode will feature former NHL forward Steve Larmer discussing his experience quitting smoking. EA SPORTS will also include Hockey Fights Cancer content in NHL 27 throughout November, across Hockey Ultimate Team and World of Chel, and will donate $10,000 to the cause.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin remains part of the fundraising picture in what he has said will be his final NHL season. Through THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer, Ovechkin makes contributions tied to each regular-season goal he scores for the rest of his career, with Monumental Sports & Entertainment matching those donations. The campaign, which supports pediatric cancer research, has already brought in more than $275,000 and will help establish the Alex Ovechkin GR8 CHASE Pediatric Cancer Research Grant.
Away from the rink, the Stanley Cup Hope Lodge Tour returns for an eighth season. In partnership with the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society, the Cup will make surprise visits to Hope Lodge residences in the United States and Lodge communities in Canada, where cancer patients and families can access accommodations during treatment.
The HFC Assist program is also back for teams at every level of the game. Participating clubs can run their own Hockey Fights Cancer nights and raise funds for patient services, including transportation to appointments, treatment accommodations and access to cancer specialists. Teams receive fundraising guidance as well as lavender tape and Hockey Fights Cancer decals.
