A limited number of Hockey Fights Cancer-branded warmup pucks will also be available for purchase, with proceeds from the sale and auction benefiting the American Cancer Society and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation.
In-arena initiatives also include the Little Caesars Arena dasher boards turning lavender, as well as a special National Anthem singer, Youth Hockey Player of the Game presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Puck Drop Captains and videoboard tributes to cancer survivors, researchers and volunteers.
Saturday's Anthem singer is Susan Anzicek, who is a two-time breast cancer survivor. After her first diagnosis in 2006, Anzicek joined the Susan G. Komen grants committee and helped create a YMCA program called Turning Point, which helps provide comfort and a healing environment for women with breast cancer. The Youth Hockey Player of the Game is Payton Shock, who celebrated being one year cancer-free in August. Shock met Sam Gagner last year during the Red Wings forward's virtual hospital visit at Children's Hospital of Michigan, and the hospital held a ceremony for Shock in August, in which Gagner recorded a message for her declaring her cancer-free.
The Puck Drop Captains on Saturday are Dr. Hilary Marusak, Kyle Peterson and Stacey Pennar.
Dr. Marusak is a Wayne State University American Cancer Society Pediatric Cancer researcher. Peterson is a high school sophomore who was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 2 and was treated until he was 5. He is now 11 years cancer-free. And Pennar is the sister of former Red Wings Hockey Fights Cancer Puck Drop Captain Jake Pennar, who unfortunately lost his battle with cancer earlier this year, so his sister is honoring his memory during the game.
The Red Wings and Comerica Bank have also invited 100 cancer survivors, pediatric cancer researchers and American Cancer Society supporters to attend Hockey Fights Cancer Night and enjoy a pregame VIP reception in Heritage Hall.
"The Red Wings partnership with the American Cancer Society enables us to shine a light on cancer survivors, honor their fight and provide much-needed support to those most in need in our community," American Cancer Society senior executive director of Michigan Chad Creekmore said. "The Red Wings have helped the American Cancer Society raise greater than $100,000 through the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. We look forward to the continued impact we can make in the lives of those facing cancer through this dedicated partnership."
