NHL, NHLPA Add Partners, Boost Activation For Hockey Fights Cancer Program
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 01:39PM By Barry Janoff
October 28, 2025: The NHL and NHL Players’ Assn. today unveiled activation for Hockey Fights Cancer powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research presented by AstraZeneca.
Now in its 27th season, the NHL and NHLPA said the season-long cause-marketing campaign has raised $12 million over the past two seasons.
Since the V Foundation — founded in 1993 by ESPN and Jim Valvano (who passed away in April 1993) — was named the official North American fundraising partner in 2023, Hockey Fights Cancer “has dramatically expanded its reach and impact through the collective efforts of NHL clubs, players, coaches, corporate partners and fans.”
This season, Hyundai and Nicorette join as official sponsors of Hockey Fights Cancer in Canada.
“Hyundai’s Greatest Save,” launched at the beginning of October, will see Hyundai Canada donate $10 to Hyundai Hope on Wheels for every save made during the 2025-26 NHL season.
The program is projected to contribute more than $700,000 via Hyundai Hope on Wheels to Hockey Fights Cancer for pediatric cancer research across Canada through the V Foundation.
Nicorette said it is “committed to helping Canadians break free from tobacco and nicotine.”
Nicorette is making donations this upcoming 2025-26 NHL season to support Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation. Nicorette will be highlighting the sponsorship with lavender DED creative during the month of November and leveraging an NHL Alumni to promote their efforts.
In addition to AstraZeneca, presenting sponsor of Hockey Fights Cancer in the U.S., the NHL, NHLPA and the V Foundation said they have now joined with 11 Hockey Fights Cancer Champions, with more signing on.
“The HFC Champions serve as ambassadors of Hockey Fights Cancer initiatives, spreading awareness and using their platform and personal connection to the cause to mobilize and inspire fans to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” according to the NHL and NHLPA.
On Oct. 28, “NHL Frozen Frenzy” on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+ and Disney+ will see all 32 teams in action, which before, during and after games will spotlight Hockey Fights Cancer initiatives across the NHL.
It will include a public fundraising component for the V Foundation in support of Hockey Fights Cancer.
The emphasis on Hockey Fights Cancer will continue during Prime Monday Night Hockey on Nov. 3 (Prime Video in Canada), NHL on TNT’s coverage on Nov. 4 (in the U.S.) and on Nov. 29 during Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet (in Canada).
November also continues to be a league-wide celebration month for Hockey Fights Cancer, and all 32 clubs are set to host in-game awareness nights throughout the season.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, the leading goal scorer in NHL history, continues THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer this season.
Ovechkin has teamed up with the Capitals, Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise funds for pediatric cancer research for each regular season goal he scores for the remainder of his career.
Since November 2023, the NHL and NHLPA said AstraZeneca has donated $800,000 to the V Foundation in support of Hockey Fights Cancer. A public health campaign is intended to “educate and empower the hockey community to Get Body Checked Against Cancer.”
In partnership with the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society, the Stanley Cup Hope Lodge Tour enters its seventh season, “surprising residents at Hope Lodge communities across the U.S. and Canada with the most iconic trophy in sports.”
“HFC Assist” is also back with a program that allows for any hockey team to host their own Hockey Fights Cancer night to raise money for the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society’s work to support those living with cancer.
Of the total $8.2 million raised during the 2024-25 season, Hockey Fights Cancer will direct more than $4.6 million directly to game-changing research at the top cancer research institutions across the U.S. and Canada.
Twenty-six research grants have been awarded in 16 NHL markets over the past two seasons with plans to fund even more cutting-edge research during the 2025-26 season, according to the NHL and NHLPA.
People can purchase official Hockey Fights Cancer merchandise at NHLShop.com and NHLShop.ca, including customizable Hockey Fights Cancer “Skate Skins.”
They also an show their support and donate to the NHL and NHLPA’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative powered by the V Foundation presented by AstraZeneca by visiting Hockey Fights Cancer.
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