Jeremy Swayman, Sarah Nurse among Hockey Fights Cancer ambassadors for 2025-26
A number of notable names are taking part in the National Hockey League’s mission to combat a terrible disease.
On Tuesday, the league, the NHL Players’ Association and the V Foundation for Cancer Research announced the 11 names who are going to be Hockey Fights Cancer Champions for the 2025-26 season.
In this 27th season of Hockey Fights Cancer, the @NHLPA, @NHL and @TheVFoundation are proud to partner with a robust team of 11 HFC Champions and counting.
More on the HFC Champions and #HockeyFightsCancer initiatives for 2025-26: https://t.co/TeTaO1qU0k pic.twitter.com/mhgC8Oa0yL
Among the names tied to the NHL are Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro, Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno, Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno, Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson.
Women’s hockey superstar and PWHL Vancouver forward Sarah Nurse will also be an ambassador this season.
There are a couple of people who have direct connections to the effects cancer can have. Stanley Cup champion and current NHL on TNT analyst Eddie Olczyk is a survivor of colon cancer. Anaheim Ducks director of goaltending Sudarshan Maharaj is a pancreatic cancer survivor. Musician Harry Hudson is a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor, while Joshua himself also had a bout with testicular cancer.
The ambassadors will use their platforms and connections to continue raising awareness and inspiring others to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
This is the 27th season of Hockey Fights Cancer, which has been one of the most prominent fundraisers in cancer research and education, raising more than $44 million since being founded in 1998. The movement is continuing its partnership with AstraZeneca, the first-ever presenting sponsor for HFC. Along with sponsors Hyundai and Nicorette, Hockey Fights Cancer has a partnership with the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society to host the Stanley Cup Hope Lodge Tour, which brings Lord Stanley’s Cup to Hope Lodge communities between the two nations.