Hockey Fights Cancer Night in Buffalo slated for Oct. 24

Presented by Roswell Park Cancer Institute

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team will again take part in the NHL Hockey Fights Cancer program, presented by Roswell Park Cancer Institute, during the team's home game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, against the New Jersey Devils.

As part of an NHL-wide initiative to raise money and awareness for cancer research, the Sabres will host events throughout the night with the help of local cancer patients and their charitable organizations.

"Roswell Park Cancer Institute is committed to providing outstanding, patient-centered care, and preventing and curing cancer. Research and education drives our progress in the fight against this disease," said Dr. Candace S. Johnson, Roswell Park president and CEO. "The NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer program and the Sabres collaborative support helps ensure we reach our goal by raising awareness about cancer risk and prevention."

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 until the second intermission. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Sabres wives and girlfriends will be on hand to assist with the sale.

In addition to the hat sale, fans attending the game will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets in the 100 level pavilion for a chance to win Sabres experiences and autographed items. Roswell Park volunteers will sell tickets priced at three for $10 or 10 tickets for $20. Additionally, an online auction featuring unique Sabres autographed merchandise and experiences will be running this week on auctions.NHL.com.

All proceeds from these auctions will benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This auction begins today at 5 p.m. and will close at 9 p.m. Oct. 25.

To commemorate the night, all Sabres players will wear purple jerseys and use sticks with purple tape during warm-ups, and the jerseys will be auctioned off on auctions.NHL.com immediately following the game. Sabres coaches and broadcasters will wear commemorative Hockey Fights Cancer ties. There will also 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 to be held up at a designated time during the third period. These placards will also be available to be downloaded at www.Sabres.com for fans who would like to participate and support the cause, but are not attending the game. Additionally, YRoswell information tables can be found in the 100 level pavilion.

Over the past four years, the Buffalo Sabres' Hockey Fights Cancer fund has donated $20,000 to Flashes of Hope, a nonprofit 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 Oct. 6 to visit with patients who benefit from Flashes of Hope.

Flashes of Hope will also be set up from 5-6 p.m. near the pavilion street-level elevators to give cancer survivors an opportunity to have their photo taken.

Members of Carly's Club will join other cancer patients from Roswell Park and WNY Hospice Essential Care throughout the game in suites donated by the Sabres organization. After the game, pediatric cancer patients will have the opportunity to meet with Sabres players.

"Over the last 18 years, the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative has made a major impact in supporting those who are affected by this deadly disease," Sabres President Russ Brandon said. "As an organization, we are fully committed to advancing this tremendous cause, and continuing to benefit institutions such as Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the wonderful work they do, along with the numerous other charities and cancer organizations that are supported league-wide. The biggest assist truly happens off the ice, and we encourage our fans to do what they can to support this great program."

The mission of Roswell Park Cancer Institute is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1898, RPCI is one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email [email protected].

Hockey Fights Cancer is a charitable initiative founded in December 1998 by the NHL and NHL Players' Association. It is supported by players, NHL member clubs, NHL alumni, the NHL Officials' Association, professional hockey athletic trainers and equipment managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners and fans throughout North America. The goal of Hockey Fights Cancer is to raise money and awareness for national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research. To date, through the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, the NHL's U.S. and Canadian charitable foundations and NHL supporters and fans have donated more than $15 million to support national and local cancer research institutions, children's hospitals, player charities and local cancer organizations. Hockey Fights Cancer is also a component of The Biggest Assist Happens Off The Ice, the NHL's and NHLPA's social responsibility program that builds on hockey's long-standing tradition of addressing important social issues in North America and around the world.

For more information about Hockey Fights Cancer, visit to hockeyfightscancer.com.