Stars to Host Hockey Fights Cancer Night Dec. 5: A Night of Hockey, Hope, and Healing
When the Dallas Stars take the ice against the San Jose Sharks on Friday, Dec. 5 at American Airlines Center, the game will carry a deeper meaning. That night marks the team’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night, a powerful reminder that the fight against cancer extends far beyond the rink. It’s a night where hockey meets humanity - and the Stars are once again stepping up in a big way.
A League-Wide Effort with Local Impact
Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative between the NHL and NHLPA that’s been rallying the hockey community for years. The mission? Raise funds for cancer research, promote awareness, and encourage fans to take action - whether that means learning about risk factors, getting screened, or simply showing support for someone in the fight.
This year, the Stars are partnering with Baylor Scott & White Health to drive home a critical message: early detection saves lives. It’s a partnership rooted in the belief that awareness leads to action - and action can lead to survival.
In-Arena Activations: Fans Join the Fight
The Stars are making sure fans don’t just witness the event - they become part of it. Around the arena, there will be several activations designed to engage the community and honor those affected by cancer.
- Coaching staff will wear Hockey Fights Cancer pins on the bench, a small but powerful visual that unites the team with the cause.
- Fans can visit the "I'm Fighting For" station outside Section 113, where they’ll be able to fill out cards honoring loved ones.
It’s a simple gesture that connects us all - because almost everyone has someone in their life touched by cancer.
- Over at PNC Plaza, AstraZeneca will host an activation focused on health education, encouraging fans to talk to their doctors about screenings and risk factors.
It’s about turning awareness into action.
Limited Edition Merch for a Cause
As always, the Dallas Stars Foundation is stepping up with exclusive merchandise and fundraising efforts to support the cause. And this year, the offerings are both meaningful and memorable.
- Fans can bid on autographed lavender Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys at DallasStars.com/JerseyAuction, with all proceeds going to Camp Esperanza.
- Mystery pucks, signed and themed for the night, will be available for purchase at the fan center outside Section 113.
- The 50/50 Raffle, presented by Higginbotham Insurance, will also benefit Camp Esperanza, a place that’s been changing lives for decades.
A Survivor’s Story Behind the Shirt
One of the most touching elements of the night comes in the form of a t-shirt - but it’s much more than just apparel. It’s a message of resilience, designed by Gracen Moreno, a local cancer survivor and longtime Stars fan.
Gracen was diagnosed with ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma at just 29. After enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, she’s now in remission. Her design features the phrase “Finish the Fight” - a mantra she held onto during treatment and a rallying cry for anyone facing the disease.
Fans can pick up the shirt outside Section 109, courtesy of Baylor Scott & White Health, or purchase it online at HangarHockey.com and at Stars Hangars inside the arena. Proceeds from the shirt also benefit Camp Esperanza.
Camp Esperanza: Where Healing Begins with Joy
The heart of the night’s fundraising efforts is Camp Esperanza, a summer camp run by The Bridewell Foundation for children being treated for cancer at Children’s Health in Dallas and Plano. Since 1984, over 5,000 kids have experienced the magic of a week filled with swimming, horseback riding, art, and friendship - all under the care of a specialized medical team.
For these kids, cancer often robs them of a normal childhood. Camp Esperanza gives it back - even if just for a week. It’s a place where they’re not “the sick kid,” but simply a camper, surrounded by others who understand their journey.
As former camper and counselor Kenda Al-Assi put it, “Camp doesn’t cure cancer, but it heals something medicine can’t. It gives children joy, hope, confidence, and community.”
Final Whistle
Hockey Fights Cancer Night isn’t just about what happens during the 60 minutes on the ice. It’s about the stories, the survivors, the families, and the fans who come together to shine a light on a disease that touches so many lives.
So when the puck drops on Dec. 5, it’ll be more than just Stars vs. Sharks. It’ll be a night where hockey fights for something bigger - and everyone in the building will be part of that fight.