TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Although it’s just another hockey game on the schedule for the lightning, tonight is bigger than that and means more than just the sport.
“The more people we can make aware of, the better off we will be,” said Lightning head coach Jon Cooper.
The NHL is supporting cancer patients and their families across the league tonight by raising money and awareness. Each of the league’s 32 teams designates at least one of their home games as “Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Day.”
“You walk down the hallways and you see all the names and all the people that are affected and we’re filling up two hallways. You can fill up two cities and it’s something you just can’t give up the fight for,” said Cooper.
During the games, the teams donate tickets and proceeds from 50/50 raffles to hospitals. Hockey Fights Cancer has raised over $36 million since its inception 26 YEARS AGO.
“It’s amazing what the hockey community is doing and supporting the cancer patients it’s amazing to see the support and hopefully get a win for them tonight,” said Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak.