PUCKS TO BEAT CANCER
A community hockey tournament supporting families affected by cancer.
Every Puck Dropped Is Another Chance at Hope.
Open to players, families, and supporters — everyone is welcome.
HOW IT STARTED
A survivor helping a son honour his dad — turning hockey into hope
Paul Lonergan is a proud father, lifelong hockey lover, and cancer survivor. After hearing Kaleb Dahlgren - Humboldt Broncos crash survivor, Type 1 diabetes advocate and inspiring leader in the hockey community speak at his son Jacob’s high school, Paul witnessed a quiet moment that changed everything: 17‑year‑old student Nicolai Grekov sharing with Kaleb that he had quit hockey after losing his father, Pavel Grekov, to brain cancer due to the painful emotions triggered by this immense loss. Their exchange struck Paul deeply. Moved by Nicolai’s grief—and reminded of his own battle—Paul felt the call to honour Pavel by creating something meaningful, hopeful, and healing for the hockey community. So was born the idea of Pucks to Beat Cancer, a charity hockey event. The name reflects the personal journeys behind the cause: cancer, which has touched many involved, and diabetes, championed by advocates like Kaleb Dahlgren and NHL alumni Denis Maruk that will help bring awareness to this fundraiser. What began as a tribute to one father’s memory is destined to grow into a scalable community‑driven event that will raise awareness, support families affected by cancer, and fuel the fight for a cure—all through the unifying power of hockey.
WHY WE ARE DOING THIS
Finding a cure to keep families longer together.
Because cancer keeps taking the people we love far too soon — and we refuse to accept this as the future. We believe in a world where terminal diseases like brain cancer no longer steal parents, partners, teammates, and friends. Our purpose is to fuel research that brings us closer to the day when no family has to say goodbye too soon.
WHAT WE DO
Turning community hockey into momentum for life‑saving cancer research.
Because cancer doesn’t get the last word, we unite players, families, and fans through hockey‑driven fundraising and a culture of kindness. Every event, every gesture, every act of generosity becomes part of a movement bigger than the game. In honour of the late Pavel Grekov, we organize tournaments, community events, and off‑ice initiatives that raise funds for cutting‑edge research into terminal diseases like brain cancer. To ultimately bring hope to hopeless situations.
OUR CORE VALUES
AWARENESS
We use the power of sport to shine a light on cancer and diabetes — conditions that silently impact millions of Canadians and their families each year.
COMMUNITY
We believe that healing happens together. Our events bring players, families, and supporters into a circle of shared strength, purpose, and joy.
IMPACT
Every dollar raised goes directly to trusted charities funding research, patient support, and education — because real change requires real resources.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where every person touched by cancer or diabetes knows they are not alone — where communities rally, where athletes inspire, and where the love of sport translates directly into life-saving support.
Our goal is to grow Pucks To Beat Cancer into an annual flagship event that raises over $100,000 per year, funds breakthrough research, and becomes a model for sport-based charity events across Canada.
SUPPORTING CHARITIES
All proceeds are divided equally between partner charities supporting cancer and diabetes in our communities.
Brain Cancer Canada
- Local Cancer Support Services
- Pediatric Cancer Research
- Patient & Family Assistance Fund
Breakthrough T1D
- Diabetes Education Programs
- Youth Diabetes Camp Scholarships
- Equipment & Supply Assistance
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
- Transportation & lodging for treatment
- Counselling & survivorship programs
- Support groups for families & caregivers
Diabetes Canada
- Cutting-edge diabetes research projects
- Access to new technologies & trials
- Support for innovation in care
Mount Sinai Hospital Head and Neck Department
- Specialized care for head and neck conditions, including cancer and thyroid issues
- Part of a leading healthcare network focused on research and collaboration
- Provides advanced, patient-centered treatment and recovery support
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Join our team and help make a difference
APPLICATION SENT!
Thank you for volunteering with Pucks To Beat Cancer!
We'll be in touch at your email address soon.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Partner with us and support families affected by cancer and diabetes
INQUIRY SENT!
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring Pucks To Beat Cancer!
We'll be in touch at your email address soon.
JOIN THE FIGHT
Register your team today and be part of something bigger than the game. Together, we can make a difference.
Spots are limited — teams are filling up quickly.
Registration includes: Includes: jerseys, swag bag, playing with a NHL player, draft luncheon, team photo
OUR SPONSORS
Proudly supported by local businesses and community leaders.
Thank you to our generous partners who make this event possible
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Send us an email or call us at (437) 991 - 6331