Wild honor Kurvers on Hockey Fights Cancer night

The Minnesota Wild held their Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night against the Ottawa Senators at Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday.

The Wild posted photos of their players holding up signs with the names of those they fight for to Instagram and Twitter. Defensemen Jared Spurgeon, Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin and forward Kevin Fiala all wrote, "I fight for Tom Kurvers."

Kurvers started as the Wild's assistant general manager in 2018. Seven months later, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and on June 21, 2021, Kurvers died. He was 58 years old.
"From Minnesota high school standout, to Hobey Baker Award winner and Stanley Cup champion, TK's passion for and success in hockey could only be surpassed by the love and optimism he shared with his family and friends each and every day," the Wild said in a statement on the passing of Kurvers in June.
Before puck drop, the Wild warmed up in lavender jerseys, the color representing all cancers, and Tom Kurvers children chanted 'Let's Play Hockey.' Since the start of the season, the Wild have worn 'TK' decals on the back of their helmets to honor the 11-season NHL veteran.

"It's a terrible disease," Wild coach Dean Evanson said. "We've all been touched by it. But to honor 'TK' and his family all year [with the decals] and forever probably, it's special."