Pucks To Beat Cancer

$75K+

Goal to Raise

Teams Competing

10-12 players per team

Years Running

HOW IT STARTED

From fighting cancer… to stepping back on the ice.

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 Puck 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

From fighting cancer… to stepping back on the ice.

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

Creating cancer awareness through community & events.

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 VALUES

Together, we champion education, advocacy, and support to create a healthier future for everyone.

We fight for cancer as our primary cause, especially the terminal kind like Brain Cancer. When needed, we also help other causes where our support is needed, like diabetes or Alzheimer’s for example, if it can help raise awareness, via a combined fundraiser. Think of Puck Cancer like a good community neighbour that doesn’t hesitate to show up to defend others, if they can help spread some hope.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

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.

LOOKING AHEAD

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.

100% Non-Profit

Community Driven

Family Friendly

Tournament Committee

‘ … behind the scenes to make Puck Cancer possible’

Tournament Founder

Paul Lonergan

Paul Lonergan is an oral cancer survivor whose recovery has been called miraculous. After fighting through the most difficult chapter of his life, he returned to the ice—a lifelong source of strength and community. Grateful for a second chance and driven by the families he met along the way, Paul founded Puck Cancer to support research that gives others the same opportunity to survive, recover, and return to the life they love.

Tournament Founder

Vanessa Grekov

Vanessa serves on the fundraising committee in memory of her beloved husband, Pavel, and is dedicated to advancing research and awareness for terminal illnesses such as brain cancer. She is driven by a commitment to bring hope to individuals and families facing the most difficult circumstances. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, Vanessa focuses on elevating the visibility of this fundraiser, strengthening supporter relationships, and helping the event create a meaningful and lasting impact.

Operations Organizer

Anita Ha

Anita brings warmth, creativity, and dedication to the work she organizes. As Operations Organizer, she is one of the driving forces behind the tournament's ideas and special activities. Anita ensures every element of the day runs seamlessly. She is deeply passionate about the cause and committed to making every dollar count for cancer and diabetes research and the families who need it most.

Chairwoman

Sasha Grekov

Sasha Grekov is a dedicated 15‑year‑old Grade 11 student and competitive cheerleader who brings heart, courage, and optimism to everything she does. As a committee member for this fundraiser in memory of her late father, Sasha is committed to helping break the stigma around talking about cancer. She believes no one should feel afraid to speak up or seek support, and she hopes her strong communication skills can help others feel seen and understood. This year, Sasha proudly serves as the event’s MC and leads promotional efforts, using her voice to uplift the community and honour her father Pavel's legacy.

Chairman

Jacob Lonergan

Jacob Lonergan is a thoughtful 16-year-old with a strong interest in diplomacy and international relations, and a background in kendo. He brings a calm, grounded perspective and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Inspired by his father Paul Lonergan’s journey through cancer, Jacob has seen firsthand the importance of resilience, community, and supporting others through difficult times. He is committed to carrying forward his father’s legacy by helping others and contributing to meaningful causes. As Chairman, Jacob helps guide the vision of this initiative - raising awareness, strengthening the community, and supporting those affected by cancer and diabetes.

Chairman

Nicolai Grekov

Nicolai Grekov is an 18‑year‑old first‑year Economics and Accounting student at Wilfrid Laurier University, carrying forward the legacy of his late father, Pavel, with pride and purpose. Nicolai began playing hockey at age seven, learning the game side‑by‑side with his dad. The rink became their shared world—full of lessons, laughter, and memories that continue to guide him today. As a player and team captain in this memorial tournament, Nicolai honours those moments by leading with heart, sportsmanship, and gratitude.

Fundraiser Manager - Quebec

Alexis Levesque

Alexis Levesque is the nephew of the late Pavel Grekov, a man he admired deeply and saw as a guiding figure in his life. Alexis is honouring that legacy by serving as the Fundraiser Manager for the Quebec region. A passionate hockey player himself who spent six seasons with the Lions of St-Jerome, Alexis brings teamwork, heart and determination to the mission. He is committed to giving back, supporting families facing cancer and carrying forward his uncle’s spirit with pride.

Celebrity Ambassador

Mike Krushelnyski

Former NHL Star (4 Time Stanley Cup Winner) Mike Krushelnyski is a former NHL forward best known for being a key member of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty during the 1980s. He played alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky and contributed to multiple Stanley Cup championships with his strong two-way play and offensive consistency. Today, Mike remains involved in the hockey community, supporting charitable initiatives and giving back through mentorship and events.

Celebrity Ambassador

Denis Maruk

Former NHL Star (1 of 22 NHL Players to Score 60 goals in a season) Denis Maruk is a former professional hockey player best known for his time in the NHL, where he played for teams including the Washington Capitals and Minnesota North Stars. Renowned for his scoring ability, he made history by becoming one of the few players to record 60 goals in a single season. Today, Denis remains actively involved in the hockey community, supporting charitable initiatives and sharing his experience to inspire the next generation of players.

Celebrity Ambassador

Kaleb Dahlgren

Kaleb Dahlgren is the former assistant captain of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and one of thirteen survivors of the tragic bus crash. Shortly after getting out of the hospital, Dahlgren joined the York University Lions varsity hockey team. He graduated from York University in 2021 and is now studying at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. The founder of Dahlgren's Diabeauties, a program that supports children with type 1 diabetes, Kaleb Dahlgren shares his message of hope and healing with groups across North America.

Tournament Volunteer

Parker Varnai

Parker Varnai joined The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation as Senior Public Relations & Communications Advisor where he supports their mission to create a world free from the fear of cancer. He has been involved in the game of hockey his entire life, and you can find him behind the bench as an Assistant Coach with the Hamilton Steel Jr. Hockey Club.

Tournament Volunteer

Keona Murthi

Keona Murthi is a dedicated community advocate and organizer committed to supporting charitable initiatives that make a meaningful impact. With a strong passion for philanthropy and event coordination, she plays an active role in bringing people together to support important causes. Through her involvement, Keona helps drive awareness and fundraising efforts that benefit those in need.

Tournament Volunteer

Al Rose

Allan Glenn Rose is a Canadian poet, author, and lifelong hockey enthusiast. A member of the League of Canadian Poets and two-time Griffin Poetry Prize nominee, he has been involved in hockey as a player, scout, executive, and coach. He is currently working on an anthology of hockey poems and The Great Canadian Hockey Novel.

Want to help grow the tournament or join the committee?

Reach Out To The Committee

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

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

PUCKS TO BEAT CANCER

HOW IT STARTED

WHY WE ARE DOING THIS

WHAT WE DO

OUR VALUES