"Over the past year, despite being unable to come together in person to raise funds and awareness for the 365 Fund, our fans have proven yet again their commitment to our Hockey Fights Cancer efforts," Nashville Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King said. "We are thrilled to finally be able to host another Hockey Fights Cancer game, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt for many years to come."
Hockey Fights Cancer is a League-wide initiative that has a special place in the mission of the 365 Fund and the hearts of Predators fans, evidenced by the $91,000 raised for the cause late last year. Additionally, the Predators Foundation hosted a fishing tournament in September 2020 to benefit the 365 Fund and facilitated numerous virtual visits between Preds players and the young patients, among other efforts. With the children unable to attend today's Hockey Fights Cancer game out of an abundance of caution for their health, Matt Benning, Mark Borowiecki, Dante Fabbro and Eeli Tolvanen checked in virtually with their friends at Children's Hospital earlier this week with the help of Seacrest Studios.
"We know that the past year has presented challenges for businesses across the country, and the professional sports industry has not been spared," said Debra Friedman, MD, who holds the E. Bronson Ingram Chair of Pediatric Oncology and is Director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children's Hospital. "We have been blown away by the continued support of the Nashville Predators during this difficult time. They have never missed a beat in their dedicated support of our hospital, and we are so grateful. Hockey Fights Cancer and the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund have already done so much to help advance research and improve outcomes for our pediatric cancer patients. We can't wait to see what breakthroughs this year's support will make possible."
Yet again, the Nashville Predators Foundation is calling on Smashville to support Hockey Fights Cancer, the 365 Fund and the life-changing cancer research taking place at Children's Hospital. Here is how fans can get involved:
Vanderbilt Health will present today's matchup, and in addition to honoring Hockey Fights Cancer, the Nashville Predators will wear their Reverse Retro jerseys and navy helmets, which feature the Vanderbilt Health logo. Through this helmet entitlement, which stems from the existing partnership agreement between the two organizations, the Predators recognize the tireless work being done by Vanderbilt Health to keep Middle Tennessee safe and healthy.
