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'Hockey Fights Cancer' night in Buffalo

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Mon, Nov 26th 2018 07:55 pm
The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team, in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, will again take part in the NHL's "Hockey Fights Cancer." This year's program will take place during the team's home game against the San Jose Sharks at 7 p.m. tomorrow. As part of an NHL-wide initiative to raise money and awareness for cancer research, the Sabres will host events throughout the night in support of local cancer patients and their charitable organizations. All fans attending the game will receive a Sabres "Hockey Fights Cancer" scarf.
"The NHL's 'Hockey Fights Cancer' program helps us raise awareness and provides a special opportunity for our community to rally together against cancer and for all who have been affected by this devastating disease," said Candace S. Johnson, Ph.D., Roswell Park president/CEO.
Fans attending the game will have an opportunity to participate in the "Autographed Hat Surprise" sale. For a $20 donation to the Sabres Foundation, fans will receive a Sabres "Hockey Fights Cancer" autographed hat. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Wives and girlfriends of Sabres players will be on hand to assist with the sale. "Hockey Fights Cancer" T-shirts and other merchandise will be on sale in the Sabres Store.
"The impact that 'Hockey Fights Cancer' night has on both the hockey community as well as patients and their families is evident each year," Sabres President Kim Pegula said. "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the amazing team at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and encourage all fans to assist in any way that they can."
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 run this week at Sabres.com/Auctions. This auction will start at 8 p.m. Tuesday and close at 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. All proceeds will benefit Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additionally, the Sabres will set up a Facebook fundraising page as a part of "Giving Tuesday" and encourage all fans to donate to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"We're honored to be the Sabres' 'Hockey Fights Cancer' partner for a fourth year and are especially grateful to their organization for celebrating Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27 with a Facebook fundraiser," Johnson said. "All donations made to Roswell Park through this effort and 'Hockey Fights Cancer' night will allow us to advance innovative cancer research and patient-care programs for the 39,000 patients who turn to us for health and hope each year."
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 Sabres.com/Auctions immediately following the game. Sabres coaches and broadcasters will wear 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 "The reason why I fight" placards, which will be held up at a designated time during the second period. A placard and "Hockey Fights Cancer" scarf will be placed at each seat.
Over the past seven years, the Buffalo Sabres' "Hockey Fights Cancer" fund has donated $35,000 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 Comprehensive Cancer Center on Oct. 11 to visit with patients that benefit from Flashes of Hope. A Flashes of Hope area will be set up on "Hockey Fights Cancer" night from 5-6:30 p.m. near the elevators on the street level of the arena to give cancer survivors an opportunity to have their photos taken professionally with family and friends free of charge.
Later this season, the Sabres Alumni will host the annual Wine Festival. The event, which is returning for its 15th anniversary, is expected to hit the $1 million mark for funds raised for breast cancer research. More information about the festival will be available in January.
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 Captain Jack Eichel. After the game, pediatric cancer patients will have the opportunity to meet with Sabres players in the team's locker room area.
The Buffalo Sabres Foundation mission statement reads: "To identify and support local organizations which share our core objectives: serving children and military personnel, caring for the sick, assisting physically and mentally challenged athletes, and supporting youth hockey initiatives. By utilizing financial resources and community influence, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation assists these organizations and their beneficiaries in realizing their highest potential and succeeding in their endeavors."
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer's grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in upstate New York. Learn more at RoswellPark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or visit [email protected].
"Hockey Fights Cancer" is an initiative founded in December 1998 by the NHL and the National Hockey League Players' Association to raise money and awareness for hockey's most important fight. For more information, visit hockeyfightscancer.com.

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