hockey playersPlay for a Cure raises money for cancer research by allowing fans to face off with former National Hockey League players.

Fundraiser scores big with hockey game

An event that allows hockey fans to play alongside and against NHL alumni also helps raise money for cancer research.

Play for a Cure is a two-day event with a competitive spirit. Teams must raise the most money to get their first pick of an NHL alumnus. On the next day, the teams go head-to-head for a fun day on the ice.

The event has raised a net total of $284,936.33 for cancer research.

Jeff Casey, a cancer survivor and the event director, says the main goal is to raise awareness “of the amazing people and cutting edge research already being conducted in our community.”

Casey mentioned two projects Play for a Cure will support this year:

  • Cancer Research Incentive Fund: a new partnership with the University of Windsor that will support cancer research scholars in their efforts to acquire national funding and build their research programs. The University of Windsor will match financial contributions toward the fund.
  • Cancer Research Care Grant: a grant funding new and innovative clinical cancer research that will support collaborative projects focused on cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care. It must be collaborative in nature by working with researchers associated with either the University of Windsor, Windsor Regional Hospital, Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, or St. Clair College. It also must be led by a principal investigator that holds an MD.

Next year’s event is planned for March 26 and 27 and will be held at Caesars Windsor and the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle.

—Dana Roe