Hockey Fights Cancer Night in Buffalo Slated for November 27

BUFFALO, N.Y. (November 26, 2018) --- 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™ program during the team’s home game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 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 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, PhD, 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 be running this week at Sabres.com/Auctions. This auction will start on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. and close on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 9 p.m., with all proceeds benefitting 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. 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,” Dr. Johnson said.

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 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 “The reason why I fight” placards that 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 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 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 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 with family and friends free of charge.

Later this season, the Sabres Alumni will be hosting their 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 Jack Eichel. After the game, pediatric cancer patients will have the opportunity to meet with Sabres players in the team’s locker room area.