About 50 children with cancer and their families were treated to a spectacular Montreal Canadiens victory as part of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative.
Every year, the Montreal Canadiens change from blue-white-red to purple as they dedicate a game to children with cancer to support them in their fight. Between a moving pre-game ceremony on the ice, a thrilling comeback crowned by a Habs victory and a meeting with the players after the game, the young members of Leucan who were on hand had an unforgettable evening at the Bell Centre.
Aux premières loges
Upon their arrival, the children and their families were greeted by some members of the Canadiens’ front office, the players’ spouses and even some players who were not dressed for the game. Gifts, face painting and fun were on the agenda.
Festivités et rencontres d’avant-match pour les jeunes de @Leucan
Pregame festivities and meet-and-greets for the kids of Leucan#LeHockeyPourVaincreLeCancer | #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/4vFwhwUrDM
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 19, 2022
Before the game, Maëlla and Thimotée had the chance to go to the locker room to announce the Canadiens’ starting line-up. A moment that undoubtedly got the players pumped up!
Maëlla et Thimotée de @leucan ont fait un travail remarquable avec leur annonce de l’alignement de départ de ce soir! 💜
Maëlla and Timothée from @leucan did an awesome job announcing tonight’s starting lineup! 👏#GoHabsGo #LeHockeyPourVaincreLeCancer #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/L9rie0idxi
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 20, 2022
After a welcome message from Joel Edmundson, who lost his father to cancer in 2021, it was the children’s turn to take to the ice for a very emotional pre-game ceremony.
Un message spécial de Joel Edmundson aux enfants membres de @leucan et leurs familles.#GoHabsGo | #LeHockeyPourVaincreLeCancer | @CHCFondation pic.twitter.com/P9ZOQ2fbM4
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 20, 2022
With the help of players from both teams, our warriors were introduced to the crowd. The 21,302 spectators at the Bell Centre cheered for several minutes to show their support and acknowledge their courage. A magical moment.
Les battants les plus forts étaient sur la glace AVANT la mise au jeu, ce soir.
The toughest fighters in the building were on the ice BEFORE puck drop.#GoHabsGo | #LeHockeyPourVaincreLeCancer | #HockeyFightsCancer | @Leucan | @CHCFondation pic.twitter.com/7e579HJwnP
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 20, 2022
Thanks to the generosity of corporate box owners who donated their space for the game, the children enjoyed a special view to watch the game with their families.
And what a game it was! The Canadiens defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in a shootout after tying the game in the final moments of regulation. But the fun didn’t stop there.
After the game, the cherry on the sundae. The young members of Leucan were visited by the players who spent a long time chatting with them, taking pictures, signing jerseys and even giving hugs!
Ce moment entre Cole et un jeune de @Leucan 🥹
This moment between @colecaufield and a child of Leucan#LeHockeyPourVaincreLeCancer | #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/orR9XvlUD0
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 20, 2022
PHOTO GALLERY
Relive the evening of our young members by scrolling through the photos below
An auction to benefit Leucan
In addition to creating lasting memories for the children, the Hockey Fights Cancer evening also raised funds for the Association. The purple jerseys worn by the players during warm-ups and other items were auctioned off to benefit Leucan.
Click here to view the auction. You have until November 22nd at 7pm to bid on the items.
You can also purchase purple-colored Hockey fights cancer clothing and accessories online and at the Tricolore Sports boutique at the Bell Centre. A portion of the profits will be donated to Leucan.
Thank you to the Montreal Canadiens and the fans for a magical evening that the children of Leucan will never forget.
