NHL Launches 28th Season of Hockey Fights Cancer with V Foundation

Hockey Fights Cancer Marks 28th Season With Winter Face-Off Campaign

As the National Hockey League and the National Hockey Players’ Association launch the 28th season of Hockey Fights Cancer, the league-wide initiative has expanded its partnership network with 16 HFC Champions and a fundraising sweepstakes, nhl.com reported. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson and Utah Mammoth forward Clayton Keller are leading The Winter Face-Off: The Ultimate Fan Sweepstakes, a fundraising campaign tied to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The campaign draws inspiration from the personal impacts of cancer on the players’ families, including Manson’s late mother, Lana Manson, and Keller’s late grandfather, Bill Simpson. Running through the first two months of the regular season and culminating ahead of the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic, the sweepstakes invites fans to enter for a unique Winter Classic experience at alltroo.com/HFC, supporting pediatric and adult cancer research grants.

Expanding Research Grants Across North America

Since the V Foundation became the official North American fundraising partner in 2023, the initiative has directed millions of dollars to research institutions across the United States and Canada. Hockey Fights Cancer directed over $4.6 million out of the $9.1 million raised during the 2025–26 season to cancer research institutions. Over the past three seasons, 42 research grants have been awarded across 22 NHL markets, with additional funding planned for the 2026–27 season.

Founded in 1998 by the NHL and NHLPA, the initiative has raised more than $53 million since its inception. The V Foundation itself was established in 1993 by ESPN and late basketball coach Jim Valvano, operating with an endowment that covers administrative expenses so that 100% of direct donations go to research grants.

Player Advocacy and Corporate Partnerships

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is continuing his fundraising effort titled THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer®. Ovechkin is raising funds for pediatric cancer research for each regular season goal he scores for the remainder of his NHL career, with Monumental Sports & Entertainment matching his contributions. The effort has raised more than $275,000 to establish the Alex Ovechkin GR8 CHASE Pediatric Cancer Research Grant.

Corporate sponsors are returning with specific funding models for the current season:

• AstraZeneca: Returning as the first-ever U.S. presenting sponsor, AstraZeneca has donated $1.2 million to the V Foundation since November 2023 through its public health campaign, Get Body Checked Against Cancer.
• Hyundai: Continuing its Greatest Save program in Canada, Hyundai is donating $10 for every save made during the regular season, projecting a contribution of over $700,000, supplemented by a $300,000 investment from Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation.
• Nicorette: Serving as the Official Quit Smoking Partner, Nicorette is contributing $100,000 for the 2026–27 season and featuring NHL alumni Steve Larmer on a podcast episode discussing his quit journey.
• EA SPORTS: Integrating Hockey Fights Cancer into NHL® 27 Hockey Ultimate Team and World of Chel modes, alongside a $10,000 donation to the V Foundation.

Fan Engagement and Community Programs

This season introduces an expanded “It’s Personal” marketing campaign featuring real hockey fans and survivors, emphasizing that cancer affects communities across the sport.

In addition to digital campaigns, the Stanley Cup® Hope Lodge Tour returns for its eighth season in partnership with the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society, bringing the trophy to surprise residents at Hope Lodge communities. The “HFC Assist” program also returns to provide youth and adult hockey teams with resources, HFC decals, and lavender tape to host their own fundraising nights for patient support programs, including transportation and lodging during treatment. Fans can purchase official merchandise and “Skate Skins” at NHLShop.com and NHLShop.ca.