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Hockey Fights Cancer Night in Columbus

NHLOA members meet four heroes before a Blue Jackets game

Published: November 03, 2017

On Friday October 27th, the on-ice officials working the Columbus Blue Jackets game had the pleasure of meeting four brave kids before taking the ice that night. Professional athletes, coaches and officials are creatures of habits and usually do religiously the same pre-game routine in order to be ready when the puck hit the ice. But that night, the four crew members consisting of referees Tim Peel and Dan O’Rourke along with linesmen Tony Sericolo and Bryan Pancich had no problem trading their pre-game ritual to welcome four heroes into their dressing room.

That night, the Columbus Blue Jackets were hosting the club’s annual Hockey Fight Cancer Night in partnership with OhioHealth. The fight against pediatric cancer has been one of the Blue Jackets Foundation primary areas of focus since the team’s inception in 2000 and this evening was a great way to honor and pay tribute to several pediatric cancer heroes currently battling the disease or cancer survivors.

Among theses heroes, the officials had the privilege to meet Hunter H.(7), Hunter T.(16), Taylor L.(5) and Karstyn M.(5) who were all accompanied by family members. All four heroes received gift bags courtesy of our Zebras Care Charity. This visit really touched the officials that night and the crew fully embraced the company of these truly special individuals. Their courage and their energy gave the crew that night a boost when they took the ice. The four little fighters also got to stand on the ice for the National Anthems.

Tim, Dan, Tony and Bryan would like to wish both Hunters, Taylor and Karstyn good luck in their battle and will always keep this special moment close to their heart. A s Special thanks to the Columbus Blue Jackets for making this visit possible.

ABOUT HOCKEY FIGHT CANCER™

Hockey Fights Cancer™ was founded in 1998 by the NHL and the NHL Players' Association to raise money & awareness for hockey's most important fight. Supported by NHL Clubs, Players, Alumni, Referees, Equipment Managers, Corporate Partners, Broadcast Partners and YOU - our fans - HFC has raised more than $18 million to support national and local cancer research institutions, children's hospitals and player & local charities. For more information about Hockey Fights Cancer, please visit https://www.nhl.com/community/hockey-fights-cancer/



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The NHLOA (National Hockey League Officials' Association), was born in 1969 out of a need to improve working conditions, salaries and other benefits for officials of the National Hockey League.
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