BUFFALO, N.Y. (November 16, 2017) — The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team, in partnership with the Courage of Carly Fund at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, will again take part in the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer™ program during the team’s home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. As part of an NHL-wide initiative to raise money and awareness for cancer research, the Sabres will be hosting events throughout the night in support of local cancer patients and their charitable organizations. All fans attending the game will receive a co-branded Sabres and Courage of Carly Fund scarf.
“Roswell Park and the Courage of Carly Fund are both proud and grateful to be the Sabres’ chosen partner for this year’s Hockey Fights Cancer™ program,” said Candace S. Johnson, Ph.D, President and CEO of Roswell Park. “The awareness and funds raised through this collaboration allow us to give every child who comes through our doors a fighting chance, and bring us one step closer to a world where families no longer fear a cancer diagnosis.”
Fans attending the game will have the opportunity to purchase autographed Hockey Fights Cancer™ hats for $20. The hats have been donated by New Era Cap Company and will be sold before the game and through the second intermission. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Wives and girlfriends of Sabres players will be on hand to assist with the sale. Hockey Fights Cancer™ shirts will also be on sale in the Sabres store.
“Hockey Fights Cancer™ is a movement that has had a profound impact on the hockey community and given endless support to patients and their families,” Sabres President Russ Brandon said. “We are proud to partner with the amazing team at Roswell Park Cancer Institute to raise awareness and funds with the hope of one day finding a cure for this disease.”
Volunteers from Roswell Park will be on hand selling raffle tickets for chances to win Sabres experiences and autographed items. Tickets will be sold on the 100 level near the HarborCenter bridge until the second intermission. Furthermore, an online auction featuring unique Sabres autographed merchandise and experiences will be running this week at auctions.NHL.com. This auction will start on Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. and close on Nov. 26 at 9 p.m., with all proceeds benefitting Roswell Park Cancer Institute
To commemorate the night, all Sabres players will wear purple jerseys and use sticks with purple tape during warmups. The jerseys will be auctioned off at auctions.NHL.com immediately following the game. Sabres coaches and broadcasters will be wearing commemorative Hockey Fights Cancer™ ties and there will be a ceremonial puck drop before the game, so fans are strongly encouraged to be in their seats early.
Roswell Park volunteers will also be stationed at tables throughout the concourse to help fans fill out “I’m fighting for ___” placards that will be held up at a designated time during the second period.
Flashes of Hope will also be set up from 5 to 6:30 p.m. near the elevators on the street level of the arena to give cancer survivors an opportunity to have their photos taken professionally.
Over the past five years, the Buffalo Sabres’ Hockey Fights Cancer™ fund has donated $30,000 to Flashes of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for children’s cancer while honoring the unique life and memories of every child fighting cancer. Several Sabres players went to Roswell Park Cancer Institute on Oct. 19 to visit with patients that benefit from Flashes of Hope.
Members of the Courage of Carly Fund will join other cancer patients from Roswell Park throughout the game in suites donated by the Sabres organization and Sabres players Ryan O’Reilly and Zach Bogosian. After the game, pediatric cancer patients will have the opportunity to meet with Sabres players in the team’s locker room area.
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