Rinne, Preds Foundation Continuing Hockey Fights Cancer Efforts

This November looks different than it ever has around NHL circles, but one cause is remaining constant, and for very good reason.
Hockey Fights Cancer Month is underway in Nashville, and all across the League, as the long-standing initiative created by the NHL and the NHLPA to unite the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families continues admirable work across North America.
Normally, the Predators would host their own Hockey Fights Cancer game at Bridgestone Arena and hold in-person efforts all throughout the month, but like the organization has done so many times in 2020, they're adapting.

The Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub
has launched the "Smashville Donates" campaign, an effort that will encourage every single Predators fan to contribute to the
365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily
, which raises funds and awareness for the vital cancer research that takes place at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Created by Preds goaltender Pekka Rinne and former Captain Shea Weber, the 365 Fund began during the 2012-13 season and raises funds and awareness for the vital cancer research that takes place at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Since the fund's inception, donations totaling more than $3 million in cash and in-kind gifts have been made to the hospital and its programs.
"Any time you have an opportunity to come here and see the kids, and not only the kids, but their families, you can feel that maybe two minutes makes their day a little bit better," Rinne said during a 2018 visit to Children's Hospital. "You get to see a few smiles, and you can't even imagine what some of these families and kids are going through.
"I can't get over how amazing this place is. Everybody who works here and the whole atmosphere - the families and kids are lucky to have a place like this."
Rinne and his teammates won't be able to drop by and visit with patients in the near future, but there are still ways they plan on showing their support throughout the month, and you can too.
The most straightforward way to assist is to make a donation to the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, but the options are plentiful.

Fans may
purchase a lavender "I FIGHT FOR" foam puck
in honor, or in memory, of someone fighting cancer. For $10, one puck will be shipped to the buyer and one will be added to the Hockey Fights Cancer net at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, which represents all those we are fighting for in Smashville. Pucks can also be purchased in-person at the Twice Daily Grab & Go at Ford Ice Bellevue.
When at Ford Ice Center Antioch or Bellevue, fans can fill out one of our "I FIGHT FOR" signs, which will be hung at each facility.
The lavender signs can also be printed here
.
Plan to make that trip to Ford Ice Center Bellevue on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Help Turn Cancer Upside Down™ while enjoying a Scott Hamilton & Friends Exhibition. Local skaters fundraised for cancer research to earn performance slots in the show, which will take place at 6 p.m. CT on Nov. 21. Special guests, National Champions Gracie Gold, Alissa Czisny and Jeremy Abbott will round out the cast. Learn more at
ScottCARES.org
.
Plus, check out the unique Preds items available in the team's silent auction by texting PREDS to 76278. New items will be added every week and include Zoom calls with Pete Weber, player-signed apparel and more. There will also be items for purchase at NashvillePredators.com/365Fund including Hockey Fights Cancer t-shirts, bracelets, magnets and beanies, Team Peks hats and puzzles featuring players from the 2017 Western Conference Champions team.
Rinne's involvement comes as the Preds Foundation facilitates weekly Zoom calls through Seacrest Studios with the goaltender and other Predators players, virtual visits that began back in March and will continue until conditions are safe for in-person trips once more.
Via their social media channels, the Predators Foundation (@PredsFoundation) will highlight one cancer warrior each day, and a number of those will also be featured right here on NashvillePredators.com.
The ceremonial puck drops, hospital visits and triumphant in-person interactions have been put on hold for now, but the fight against cancer never stops. So, join the "Smashville Donates" campaign however you're able, stay tuned for more coverage throughout the month and show the rest of the hockey world how Hockey Fights Cancer in Music City.