On Feb. 22, the hockey community in Fredericton rallied for “Hockey Fights Cancer Night,” when the Red Wings faced off against the Grand Falls Rapids.
The initiative aims to support those battling cancer, a disease that remains one of Canada’s leading causes of death.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated 88,100 people were expected to die from cancer in 2024, with prostate and breast cancer being the most common among men and women, respectively.
The charity event has become a staple in the hockey community. In recent years, teams across all levels of the sport have taken the opportunity to help those affected by cancer, holding a special night during the regular season dedicated to raising funds for a local cancer research charity or a person affected by the illness.
The Fredericton Red Wings is one of the teams supporting those affected by cancer. They have been involved in the program for the past three years.
Prior to the puck drop, the team hosted a ceremony honouring Bev Adams.
Adams is a valued member of the Red Wings family who was recently diagnosed with cancer. She has been with the Red Wings since day one, making sure the organization runs smoothly.
The team decided to donate the proceeds from the game to her fight.
During the ceremony, a video of Bev’s family members wishing her the best in her fight was played, reassuring her that they have her back every step of the way.
“Bev, we’re with you in this fight. You’ve got this,” Red Wings President Roger Shannon said as the ceremony came to a close.
When the ceremony ended, fans were treated to some great hockey action.
Fredericton took an early 1-0 lead in the first period, coming out of the gate firing on all cylinders. However, the momentum shifted when Grand Falls scored one late in the first, knotting the game at one apiece. The Rapids added another in the second period.
In the end, Grand Falls took the game 2-1, spoiling the special night.
Salem Johnson is a fourth-year defenseman for the Red Wings. He has worked on the team’s Hockey Fights Cancer night for the past three years, earning the Maritime Hockey League’s community engagement award the first year he was involved with the project.
“It’s a game to spread awareness for breast cancer. And leading up to the game for the past couple of months, we’ve been leading a fundraiser towards the Canadian Cancer Society, which we’ve been promoting through social media,” said Johnson. “The whole part of the game is to get people out there and for us to play with some extra pride.”
“Like I said, we’re going to do it in honor of Bev. Hopefully, she’ll be able to make it, but it’ll be a good ceremony. I think a lot of people will feel [everything] to the heart because, like I said, cancer affects all of us.”
Occasions like Saturday night are what Johnson referred to as “legacy events.” For these events, players on the team are separated into groups and tasked with a project to help give back to the community.
“For me and three other guys, we were placed in charge of doing the Hockey Fights Cancer game and creating a fundraiser. We believe it’s very important to give back to the community,” he said.
On top of helping Adams through her cancer journey, the Red Wings have raised additional money for cancer support. Most of this was through an online funding page.
Proceeds from the page went to the Canadian Cancer Society. Whatever the team makes from the online page, Johnson said UNI Financial will work to match the donated amount.
The team has raised $4,256, surpassing their $4,000 goal, which might grow as the donation site is still open.
“Like I said, our team thinks it’s important to give back to the community and do these kinds of things and cancer is something that affects all of us, whether directly or indirectly,” said Johnson.
“We’re going to have special jerseys this year. Putting on the jersey means you’re playing for something bigger than hockey at that point.”
The jerseys worn by the players were purple and white, the traditional colours associated with Hockey Fights Cancer.
Leading up to the game, fans had the opportunity to place bids online for the jerseys. Then, the team held an in-person jersey auction at the game.
“I think our ownership and our leaders, they want us to be good hockey players, but good people as well. We’re at a time in our lives where we’re learning how to be good humans. And giving back to communities is so important,” said Johnson on where the inspiration for hosting these kinds of events in his community comes from.
“I realize how important it is and I want to keep doing it for as much [and as long] as I can.”
