Fighting Cancer Beyond a Theme Night – MASHAHER

The Seattle Kraken announced their ’24-’25 theme night schedule this week, including Hockey Fights Cancer on November 20th against the Nashville Predators. Hockey Fights Cancer, now in its 25th season, launched in 1998 and has raised over $36 million for local charities.

The Seattle Kraken teamed up with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health last season to help raise awareness about early detection and guide fans on where to find support and financial assistance for treatment. Fans attending the game were given pins and “I Fight For” signs to hold up during a moment of silence.

The Kraken’s philanthropy reaches fans beyond the ice and isn’t limited to just one theme night. The entire organization, from individual players to those working in the front office, has connected with the Seattle hockey community to provide resources and support throughout the seasons.

In 2023 Jaden Schwartz returned to his former team in St.Louis to organize a bone marrow donor search for a blues fan, which ultimately saved her life. The search was a personal one for Schwartz who in 2011 lost his sister, Mandi, to acute myeloid leukemia. Mandi, a talented hockey player for the Yale women’s hockey team, succumbed to the rare cancer that accumulates in the bone marrow. Schwartz honored his late sister by changing his jersey number to 17, the same number Mandi wore on her jersey. Schwartz and his family created the Mandi Schwartz Foundation to help others with the same form of cancer and to assist in finding bone marrow donors for others.

That same season, former Kraken player Morgan Geekie made a plea to Kraken fans to help find a donor match for a young fan named Isola, who was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. Fans responded to the call, and a match was found shortly thereafter. Earlier this season, Isola returned to Climate Pledge Arena to announce that she was officially in remission. Isola is doing well and looking forward to returning to school in a couple of weeks.

The Kraken came together to make a wish come true for a young hockey fan named Jackson, who was battling leukemia in 2023. The young skater was not only given the opportunity to practice with the Kraken, Jackson was signed to a one day contract with the team.

Jackson was presented with the Davy Jones hat following a Kraken home game win.

Jackson is currently in remission! Jackson was recently caught on the jumbo tron having a blast with his siblings during a game in March.

The sport of hockey itself can provide a sense of healing to fans seeking an escape from their fight against cancer. Joleen from Seattle spent the last two NHL seasons battling breast cancer and recovering from surgeries and chemotherapy. “Hockey provided a sense of normalcy, physical activity, and emotional support. Watching hockey offered both a physical outlet and a mental break from the challenges of recovery.”

The part time season ticket holder is now in remission and extremely grateful to belong to such a supportive hockey community. “The support from the Seattle Kraken for those fighting cancer means a great deal to me. It’s not just about the team’s involvement; it’s about the shared commitment to a cause that resonates deeply with me. Their support feels like a validation of my journey and a source of additional encouragement. Knowing that a professional sports organization is standing behind individuals facing similar battles can be incredibly comforting and empowering.”

The Kraken’s continued involvement with Hockey Fights Cancer inspires fans to take action not only for themselves, but also for their community. Find more information on Hockey Fights Cancer or to donate, check out the official website.

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