Tonight will be about much more than hockey. The Blackhawks face off against the Minnesota Wild as they host Hockey Fights Cancer night at the United Center. Eddie Olczyk will also be honored tonight with “One More Shift”. He just recently won his battle with Stage 3 colon cancer and is now in remission. Olczyk will be joining the team during the National Anthem and take one more lap around the ice. During the “shift”, an Eddie Olczyk highlight reel will be played on the scoreboard.
Eddie Olczyk is a #Blackhawks legend & a survivor. Before the game, he took #OneMoreShift on #HockeyFightsCancer Night! pic.twitter.com/QPjNMvv9ao
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) November 19, 2018
Another Blackhawks’ player who was affected by cancer is defenseman Brandon Davidson. Brandon won his battle with testicular cancer back in 2012. He started a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for those who are currently battling cancer. To donate to Brandon’s fundraiser, click on the link below.
“I am happy to share my story and do my part to raise awareness and funds for those battling cancer. If my story can help bring funds to aid cancer research, that means everything to me.”
Contribute to Brandon’s personal Movember fundraiser here: https://t.co/CEC0Ijz6mM
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 18, 2018
There will be other events going on today at the United Center as well. The Blackhawks will be hosting a pre-game ceremony honoring cancer survivors before the game today.
The #Blackhawks host the Wild on #HockeyFightsCancer Night after a Purple Carpet event in the Atrium and a pregame ceremony featuring some special kids and #OneMoreShift with cancer survivor Eddie Olczyk.#CHIvsMIN Preview: https://t.co/fSTJbbRhR5 pic.twitter.com/k8NyZzIoHY
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 18, 2018
The Make-A-Wish Foundation will also partake in today’s activities. Five local children will join the Blackhawks starting lineup on the blue line for the singing of the National Anthem. Carter Holmes, an 11-year-old from Viroqua, VA who is currently fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, will drop the ceremonial puck. Carter also took the ice with a few of his favorite Blackhawks players during the week.
This… this is what sports are all about.
The @NHLBlackhawks invited Carter Holmes on the ice this morning. The young #AuthenticFan will drop the puck on Sunday’s Hockey Fights Cancer game against the Wild. pic.twitter.com/SfK8t3mBP4
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) November 16, 2018
Earlier today, Patrick Kane visited Lurie Children’s Hospital to surprise the kids with tickets to tonight’s game!
Patrick Kane visited patients at @LurieChildrens Hospital and surprised them with tickets to tonight’s #HockeyFightsCancer Night game!#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/iIyyk4HuN7
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 18, 2018
My mom and some of my other family members have had their own battles with cancer. When I see stuff like this, it just reaffirms my love of the Blackhawks and their organization. They always make an extra effort to honor their players and do their part in raising awareness for those in need. Let’s hope they pull out a W on such an emotional and awesome night. That would really be the icing on the cake for many, including myself.
For more Blackhawks news and updates, follow the author @Certified_TonyG on Twitter.
