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Huntsman Cancer Institute at the partnered with the to host on November 29 at the Delta Center. The Utah Hockey Club dedicated the game to cancer survivors, people with cancer, and their families and loved ones. The night also showcased Huntsman Cancer Institute and demonstrated its dedication to value-based care, prioritizing high-quality, patient-centered services that drive better outcomes and lower costs.
The Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, a program organized by the (NHL) and the , has raised more than $32 million since its launch in 1998 to support individuals and families affected by cancer. Each November, all 32 NHL teams participate by raising awareness and uniting their communities to support those impacted by cancer during a home game. Generous contributions raised during events like this are vital to advancing advancements in cancer research, treatments, and care.
“We are honored to join the Utah Hockey Club for its first annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Events like this shine a spotlight on cancer and inspire hope. The funds raised will directly support our physicians and researchers as they work tirelessly to advance cancer treatments and improve lives.”
Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA
Chief clinical officer and physician-in-chief at Huntsman Cancer Institute
Throughout the game, patients were recognized for their stories of hope and cancer survivors were honored with unique experiences, such as riding the Zamboni, watching warmups from the players’ bench, and meeting the team.
The commemorative game opened with a ceremonial puck drop by 13-year-old Porter Kellum, who was diagnosed earlier this year with a rare malignant sinus tumor called esthesioneuroblastoma. Porter’s connection to the Utah Hockey Club began in November when players visited Huntsman Cancer Institute to meet patients undergoing treatment and the dedicated staff who care for them.
“It made me feel happy to be recognized for what I’m going through. All the guys on the team are way nice. Dropping the puck was pretty awesome next to [Clayton] Keller and [Connor] McDavid,” said Porter.
Porter’s mom, Amanda, expressed her gratitude for the night stating, “The Utah Hockey Club went above and beyond to make Porter feel supported. He isn’t a kid that shows emotion, but that night he was all smirks and smiles after dropping the puck. The players went out of their way to talk to him and his brothers. Everyone we interacted with that night was genuine and caring. We couldn’t be bigger fans of the Utah Hockey Club. It is a night we will all remember.”
One special moment of recognition featured Erin Hurst, who has stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that develops in the soft tissues. Erin was thrilled to receive a personalized Utah Hockey Club jersey with her last name on the back. During a timeout, the team highlighted her cancer journey, sharing her story with game attendees on the big screen at center ice. Erin said, “I held back tears as the crowd cheered for me and I realized cancer really does affect us all in one way or another.”
Another highlight was Adam Whitt, a former professional baseball pitcher who has transitioned to career as a professional golfer and in remission from chronic myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia, a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and moves into the bloodstream. Adam said, “Riding the Zamboni and seeing, hearing, and feeling the emotion of everyone at the arena who has been affected by cancer was incredible. The only reason I could experience that was because of Huntsman Cancer Institute and I am forever grateful for that.”
Noelle Gatlin, diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer in July 2022, shared how much the night meant for her and her family. “After all that we went through with my pancreatic cancer, this night was incredible for me and like a healing balm for my youngest son’s soul. As a hockey player himself, riding the Zamboni, watching the players down on the ice level, and sharing custody with me of our custom jersey, is pure joy.” Following her diagnosis, Noelle underwent a Whipple procedure under the care of Courtney Scaife, MD. This complex surgery is designed to remove cancerous cells from the pancreas and stop the disease from spreading. “He worried so much about my Whipple procedure; this was the ultimate cure!”
“The first Hockey Fights Cancer night in Utah was a truly moving and powerful experience that those in attendance will not forget. It’s remarkable how the sport of hockey can bring all of us together in such a powerful way to honor those fighting the disease and recognize their families and loved ones for the resilience they demonstrate every day.”
Chris Armstrong
President of hockey operations and alternate governor of the Utah Hockey Club
The night was a powerful testament to the strength of the community, the impact of collaboration, and the shared determination to end cancer.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the 㽶Ƶ of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to advance cancer treatments of the future beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.