Photos: 4th Annual Kraken Hockey Fights Cancer Night At Climate Pledge Arena

Seattle, WA – During the commercial break of Wednesday night’s home game against the Nashville Predators, the house lights dimmed, fans turned on the flashlights on their phones and the ice was bathed in the soft glow of a lavender Hockey Fights Cancer design. Brandon Tanev stood solemnly, head held high, facing the jumbotron as a tribute video played. It showed his teammates holding “I Fight For” signs, honoring loved ones battling cancer or those who have lost their fight. The powerful moment was a heartfelt reminder of the courage and resilience within the hockey community.

For 26 years, the NHL and NHLPA have united the hockey community in the fight for a cure. Each season, every NHL team hosts a Hockey Fights Cancer night, honoring those affected by cancer and raising awareness throughout November’s Hockey Fights Cancer month.

In just their first four seasons as the league’s 32nd franchise, the Seattle Kraken have made this fight their own, holding a special night to raise awareness, promote prevention, and offer unwavering support to their community.

This year, the Kraken put prevention at the forefront by offering men 40 years old and up free PSA blood tests to screen for prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. The NHL has partnered with Astra Zeneca to empower men to get checked for Movember. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health had several stations around the arena had with information packets or QR codes for fans to scan.

Specialty player-worn jerseys were auctioned off through the Kraken’s charitable foundation, One Roof, during the game. Thousands of dollars will benefit the VMFH cancer fund. This year, it appears Brandon Tanev’s jersey received the highest bid of $2,555. Fans can still place bids on locker room nameplates as well.

Every home game the Kraken honor a local hero with a grant for $32k and Wednesday they chose Kerri Jo Harp, a local oncologist dietician at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health as the Heroes of the Deep.

The Kraken fought hard on the ice as well, shutting out the Predators 3-0! Daniel Sprong scored his first goal since returning to Seattle and Chandler Stephenson picked up an assist for all three Kraken goals.

Despite the heavy theme, both fans and players were in good spirits, and the Kraken closed out one of their longest homestands with five wins out of six games. The Kraken hit the road on Saturday to face the Kings in L.A and the Ducks in Anaheim on Monday.

To learn more about Hockey Fights Cancer and its programs, visit their website.

Make sure you bookmark THN’s Seattle Kraken site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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