High school players shoot, cancer patients score

Four high school hockey teams, usually out for each other's blood, will team up Friday to check cancer into the boards.

The seventh annual Shootout for Cancer charity exhibition hockey game will feature a team of Naperville North and Naperville Central players against a team of players from Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley.

Each team also will include several members of the Naper Warriors girls hockey club and the Tomahawks, a Chicago-based club for developmentally disabled athletes.

Proceeds raised from the Shootout activities - which officials hope will surpass last year's record $26,000 - will go to the DuPage County chapter of the American Cancer Society to help fund cancer research at Illinois medical centers and to provide support services for local cancer patients.

"The economy is tough, but cancer isn't going away," said Becky Cizek, mother of a sophomore hockey player and a member of the committee organizing the event. "We know $26,000 will be a tough mountain to climb, but we'll get there."

Brian Kenney, a 2003 Neuqua Valley graduate and all-state goalie, started the exhibition in 2002 to thank the society for helping him recover from testicular cancer.

To date, the event has raised more than $100,000 to help fund the fight against cancer.

He is living in New York and unable to attend, but his mom, Annette, will drop the puck to get things started.

"It has been exciting to see so many players, parents, hockey fans and organizations supporting our efforts," honorary chairwoman Annette Kenney wrote in a statement. "It is a win-win night because it benefits so many people."

The event also will include a luminaria ceremony honoring cancer victims and survivors, and a skills competition for the players.

Between periods, there will be on-ice contests and raffles for the fans. Auction and raffle prizes include autographed pucks, sticks, hats and photos from several Chicago Blackhawks players.

"It's a great night, with great prizes and great kids for a great cause," Cizek said. "There's no excuse not to be here."