On Saturday, November 30th, 2024, the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center (GCCC) will transform into a beacon of hope and unity as it hosts the Hockey Fights Cancer charity game. Organized by the Canandaigua Knights 10U Travel Hockey Team, this event promises an unforgettable evening of hockey, community spirit, and a shared commitment to defeating cancer.

This is more than just a hockey game—it’s a rallying call to come together for a cause greater than ourselves. All proceeds of the event will go to the American Cancer Society to support vital cancer research and patient care. This event is not a team fundraiser. It’s a community-driven initiative designed to inspire, connect, and make a real difference for those affected by cancer.

Uniting Through Hockey: More Than Just a Game

For the Canandaigua Knights 10U Travel Team, hockey has always been about more than scoring goals or winning championships. This year, the team has embraced a central theme: being part of something bigger than themselves. This mindset has not only shaped how they play the game but has also driven their efforts to make this event a reality.

Head Coach Tory Carissimo, who also works as an AHL referee, found inspiration for this event through his experiences officiating Hockey Fights Cancer games at the professional level. These events, held by teams like the Rochester Americans, have demonstrated the power of hockey to unite people and make a positive impact beyond the rink.

“It’s inspiring to see professional teams give back to their communities, showing that hockey can be a platform for meaningful change,” Carissimo explains. “I wanted to bring that spirit to Canandaigua and show our players that they, too, can make a difference.”

The response has been extraordinary. What began as a simple idea to raise awareness has grown into a large-scale community event that has already raised over $28,000 in contributions—and the momentum continues to build.

A Night of Unity, Action, and Inspiration

The event kicks off as early as 2:30 PM, with spectators arriving to a powerful display of community solidarity. Outside the GCCC, vehicles from the Canandaigua City Police, Fire Department, Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Troopers, and the Canandaigua Emergency Squad will line the entrance, symbolizing a unified front in the fight against cancer. These vehicles, along with their uniformed representatives, will greet attendees as they arrive, setting the tone for the evening’s mission of unity and hope.

Inside, the atmosphere will be electric. The pre-game ceremony, beginning at 3:30 PM, will include a momentous recognition as New York State Senator Pam Helming presents the NY Senate Empire Award to the Canandaigua Knights 10U Travel Team. This prestigious honor highlights the team’s exceptional leadership in organizing this event and underscores the impact their efforts have had on the community.

When the puck drops at 3:45 PM, the young Knights will take to the ice with a purpose far greater than the game itself. For these players, the event is an opportunity to embody their team’s mission of pushing not just for themselves, but for their teammates, their families, and their entire community.

Exciting Activities for the Whole Family

The event isn’t just about hockey—it’s packed with activities and opportunities for attendees to get involved. Highlights include:

• Raffles: Enter to win incredible prizes, including autographed AHL memorabilia, NHL & AHL game tickets, local gift cards, and unique family experiences.
• Merchandise Sales: Support the cause by purchasing Hockey Fights Cancer-themed merchandise, such as purple hoodies, wristbands, and buttons. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.
• First Responder Appreciation: During the first period, the Civic Center will pause to recognize the first responders in attendance. This heartfelt announcement will celebrate their service and their support for this cause.

The energy and excitement surrounding the event are contagious. Local businesses, families, and sponsors have all stepped up to contribute, making this a true community-driven effort.

Sponsors Making a Difference

The generosity of local sponsors has been a cornerstone of this event’s success. There’s still time for businesses to get involved. Click here to view the sponsorship opportunities. Whether you’re interested in contributing as a sponsor or attending the event to show your support, your involvement will make a significant impact.

How You Can Contribute

Can’t attend in person? You can still be part of the fight against cancer. Donate online here to contribute directly to the American Cancer Society through the team’s fundraising page. This platform is specifically for individual donations, not sponsorships, making it an easy way for anyone to join the cause from anywhere.

Attendees will also have the chance to purchase “I Fight For” cards, where they can write the name of someone they are honoring or remembering in their fight against cancer. These cards will be displayed at the event, serving as a poignant reminder of why this mission matters.

Why This Event Matters

Cancer affects us all—whether directly or through someone we love. This event is about more than raising money; it’s about creating a sense of community, hope, and purpose. The Canandaigua Knights 10U Travel Team, their families, and the entire Canandaigua community have shown what can happen when people come together for a shared goal.

As Coach Carissimo notes:

“As a youth hockey player, I barely remember the scores of the games I played, but I’ll never forget the experiences we had as a team. I hope this event becomes one of those unforgettable experiences for our players and our community—a night where we showed that together, we’re stronger.”

Join Us on November 30th

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of hockey and hope at the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center. Whether you’re a hockey fan, a supporter of cancer research, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend your Saturday, this event has something for everyone.

Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and join us in the fight against cancer. Together, we can make a difference.

Let’s show the world what Canandaigua is capable of.