Hawks to auction off jerseys to fight cancer

In support of cancer awareness, the Chicago Blackhawks will host “Hockey Fights Cancer Night” at the United Center on Saturday, and players will wear one-of-a-kind warm-up jerseys while coaches and broadcasters will wear lavender ties, all of which will then be autographed and auctioned off online.

During warm-ups before their game against Toronto Maple Leafs, the Blackhawks will wear white authentic jerseys with lavender lettering, and each jersey will be autographed by the player who wore it. All jerseys and ties will be auctioned off to fans on chicagoblackhawks.com beginning on Saturday and running through midnight Friday, Nov. 1. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to Chicago Blackhawks Charities, with portions being distributed to local cancer awareness organizations.

The NHL and NHLPA will also host an online auction of autographed game-used sticks featuring unique lavender hockey tape from select players on auctions.nhl.com.

Additionally, the Blackhawks have partnered with the Make-A-Wish and Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer foundations for a special pregame on-ice recognition of six local children, and six more children will ride the Zambonis before the game and during each intermission. Jack O’Donoghue, a 9-year-old from Carol Stream who is battling Burkitt Lymphoma, will perform the ceremonial puck drop before the game.

Throughout the game, the Blackhawks Better Halves will sell player-autographed white pucks with lavender logos and writing. Proceeds from the puck sales, the Blackhawks silent auction and Split the Pot will benefit Chicago Blackhawks Charities and various local cancer awareness organizations. Several organizations will also be located throughout the United Center concourse to offer more information on cancer prevention and awareness. Select Hockey Fights Cancer apparel will be available for purchase at the Blackhawks Store located by section 117.