If you’re looking for something to do this weekend and want to show your support for cancer patients and survivors, it’s time to grab your purple attire and head down to KeyBank Center. 

The Buffalo Sabres and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center are once again teaming up to host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer event Friday night, when the Sabres take on the New York Islanders. 

There will be several special moments during the game, including a “Purple Carpet” arrival walk in which Sabres players will be joined by Roswell Park patients and survivors. There will be a special purple warm-up jersey, which each player will give to their special guest upon arrival. 

Even Sabretooth will have a special jersey! 

Upon arriving at the game, there will be large placards on which people can write a message of hope, support, and recognition of someone important to them who is fighting cancer or who passed away from the disease. During the game, there will be a ceremony in which all in attendance will be asked to lift their placard for a moment of silence, always a powerful show of support and honor for those in the fight and those we’ve lost. 

To start the game, Jack Langdon will be the ceremonial puck dropper. Jack is a two-time cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma when he was 12 and then receiving a second diagnosis, of spindle cell sarcoma, in August 2023 at age 26. He tells Roswell Park he didn’t panic when receiving the news a second time, confident that his doctors and nurses would help him successfully navigate treatment. Earlier this year, Jack was able to ring the Victory Bell in Roswell Park’s main lobby, signifying the end of his treatment. 

It will be the second time Jack has served as the ceremonial puck dropper; he was also asked to perform the honors in 2011. 

In addition to the on-ice festivities, there will be a 50/50 online raffle for people at home and those at the arena, in addition to the opportunity to receive a mystery signed mini-helmet from one of the Buffalo Sabres for a minimum $60 donation to Roswell Park. 

The Sabres did end their three-game winning streak against the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers and old friend Sam Reinhardt Monday night, but Friday night is all about cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. A Friday night hockey game is a great way to kick off the weekend, and you’ll be helping to spread a lot of love and support for people who really need it. Tickets are available now! 

 

The Buffalo Sabres v. The New Jersey Devils

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

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