MONTREAL, Friday, November 8, 2025 – Leucan, the Association for Children with Cancer, is proud to announce the launch of The Great Leucan Faceoff, in collaboration with the Montreal Canadiens. This new initiative invites hockey teams across Quebec—community, school, elite, or recreational—to unite their passion for hockey with a cause that touches us all: supporting children with cancer.
By organizing an activity or fundraising event for Leucan, participating teams have the chance to win an exclusive grand prize, including:
- A private hockey clinic at the Bell Centre led by former Canadiens player Paul Byron;
- An exclusive guided tour of the Bell Centre;
- And official Montreal Canadiens merchandise.
“I’m happy to team up with Jacob and Leucan for this initiative that combines hockey and generosity,” said Paul Byron. “As an active parent in minor hockey, I see the Leucan Big Faceoff as a unique opportunity to bring players together around an important cause and to leverage the values of our sport, such as teamwork and commitment, to benefit young people with cancer.”
Launched on the eve of the annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night hosted by the Montreal Canadiens, The Great Leucan Faceoff embodies the same spirit of solidarity and community in the fight against pediatric cancer.
When passion for hockey becomes hope
Together, Leucan and the Montreal Canadiens aim to mobilize hockey fans across Quebec around a shared goal: transforming their love of the game into hope for children battling cancer.
This mission takes on even deeper meaning through stories like that of Jacob, a 15-year-old Leucan ambassador, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in November 2023. Jacob continues his treatments until April 2026, while keeping hockey at the center of his life. His cancer journey has given him a new perspective:
“At the hospital, my dad decorated my room to make it feel like home. He put up my caps, jerseys, posters… When you walked into my room, you knew I loved hockey! Now, I’m slowly getting back to practice. I don’t know if I’ll return as a goalie, but my dream is to play a full season with a team,” shares Jacob, ambassador of The Great Leucan Faceoff.
Join the faceoff with the Montreal Canadiens
To be eligible, teams must organize an activity or fundraiser benefiting Leucan between Saturday, November 8, 2025, and Sunday, March 15, 2026. The team that raises the most funds will be crowned the winner on March 31, 2026. A participation prize, featuring official Montreal Canadiens merchandise, will also be drawn among all teams that raise at least $500.
Every dollar raised helps Leucan continue its mission to support the recovery and well-being of children with cancer and their families through emotional and financial assistance, clinical research funding, and by breaking the isolation that families experience throughout the cancer journey.
Teams can register now at: https://journeeleucan.crowdchange.ca/127315
About Leucan
For more than 45 years, Leucan has been committed to supporting children with cancer and their families—from diagnosis through every stage of the disease and beyond. A trusted ally to hundreds of families across Quebec, the Association offers tailored services delivered by a dedicated team with specialized expertise in pediatric oncology. In addition to its family services, Leucan funds clinical research and operates the Leucan Information Centre. With several regional offices across Quebec, Leucan provides care and support close to home.
