HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER HOLDS SPECIAL MEANING FOR THE IOWA WILD
Nov 5, 2025On Sunday, Nov. 10, the Iowa Wild will host the Rockford IceHogs at Casey’s Center. While the game will feature plenty of action off the ice, the night’s theme will hold special meaning for many players, staff, and fans.
Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint initiative of the NHL and NHLPA, unites the global hockey community through storytelling and meaningful events to fundraise for cancer research, to educate and empower more fans to learn about cancer risk factors and to take action to get screened for certain cancers.
Sunday’s Wild game will feature several areas of recognition for cancer survivors throughout the evening, including:
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“I Fight For” cards for all fans in attendance
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A ceremonial puck drop conducted by representatives of The Mission Cancer Foundation
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Chuck-A-Puck proceeds benefiting The Mission Cancer Foundation
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Players using purple tape on their sticks during pregame warm-ups
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An in-game auction of purple taped warm-up sticks (winners meet players postgame) with proceeds benefiting The Mission Cancer Foundation
As the team prepares for the game, players are reflecting on what Hockey Fights Cancer means to them.
Bradley Marek
“I’m very close with my grandma who lost her leg to leg cancer. She showed me since I was a young kid that it doesn’t matter if you have obstacles in your way. If you’re a fighter and you have a support team with you, anything is possible.
If you need help or you’re down, don’t be afraid to reach out because it’s a tough thing. We’re all here supporting and rooting you on.
Our fan support on this night means a lot. It shows how great the community is here in Des Moines and gives you that extra step knowing there’s worse problems in the world. People are going through worse things, and we can always have a good attitude, so that’s pretty motivating.”
Michael Milne
“Hockey Fights Cancer means a lot to me. There’s a lot of people battling cancer and I don’t think everybody recognizes the fight they go through every single day.
Having personal experiences with family puts it into perspective. I think you have to cherish every day because there’s people who have hard days all the time. The people who are battling every day mean a lot to us.”
Mark Liwiski
“The night means a lot to me and everyone who has been affected by cancer. It hits home for me and a lot of other people. Every time we play this game, we remember the loved ones we lost and the ones who are currently fighting.
Both of my dad’s parents passed away early in their lives due to cancer. I’ve also lost a couple friends to cancer and my uncle recently passed away from cancer. Those things hit hard when you can’t do much about it, but we’re always thinking of them. I love this game for the cause it supports and the awareness throughout the night.”
Ryan Sandelin
“My mom and my grandma both had cancer. It speaks to their perseverance, dedication to themselves, and the struggle that they went through. I’m fortunate to get to play a game in their honor.
It’s great to see everyone coming together for a great cause and all the people going through a tough time. To be able to have the opportunity to play in a game that shows people they have support from us and their family members is pretty special and we don’t take it for granted.”
To purchase tickets for Sunday’s Hockey Fights Cancer game, visit iowawild.com or call 515-564-8700.