A night BIGGER than hockey: Sabres fans unite to fight cancer

A woman and man with two young children, members of a caregiver support group, pose at center ice for a ceremonial puck drop with two hockey players in blue and white uniforms, surrounded by a cheering arena crowd under bright lights.

On Friday, November 1, KeyBank Center became more than just an ice rink as the Buffalo Sabres hosted their annual Hockey Fights Cancer game to benefit Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. The night united players, fans, patients, survivors, caregivers and researchers with one shared purpose — to stand together in the fight against cancer. Leading up to the big game, the entire Sabres roster paid a special visit to Roswell Park to surprise patients throughout the hospital and spread joy. They took pictures, handed out autographs and spent extra time with pediatric patients, ending with a snowball fight!

Even before puck drop, the Sabres honored 20 cancer patients and survivors with a Purple Carpet Experience. These honored guests got a behind-the scenes look at the arena and walked a special purple carpet with players, receiving a hug, photo and one-of-a- kind jersey. A moving ceremonial puck drop, featuring Roswell Park patient Megan Woodward, set the tone for a night defined by compassion and community.

Megan's Story

Megan was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer in 2024 when she was five months pregnant with her second child. After getting second
opinions from other cancer centers across the country, Megan and her husband Tom knew Roswell Park was the only option.

"I feel so grateful that Roswell Park was in my backyard and able to meet my needs, especially when places like the top cancer centers in New York City were unable to treat me when I was pregnant. I credit the team at Roswell for their thoroughness and for their willingness to partner across disciplines to provide such specialty care.”

Megan Woodward
A crowd at a hockey game holds up purple and white signs that say "I Fight For," supporting cancer awareness and caregiver support groups. Many fans wear team jerseys and purple accessories to show their solidarity.

Throughout the game, lavender Hockey Fights Cancer scarves, a moment of silence to raise “I Fight For” placards and in-arena messages highlighted the impact Roswell Park has on the WNY community. From the 50/50 raffle to mystery signed hats to an online auction, the evening gave fans at home and in the arena a way to show their support for Roswell Park. In total, the WNY community raised more than $70,000 for cancer research and patient care programs that support the 52,000+ patients, like Megan, under active care at Roswell Park right now.

Thank you to all who watched and supported Roswell Park during Hockey Fights Cancer.

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