Hockey Fights Cancer—and So Does Canterbury

Our Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Hockey teams’ biggest goal last Wednesday had nothing to do with a net—they took to the ice in O’Neill Arena to raise awareness and dollars for Hockey Fights Cancer.

Founded in 1998 by the National Hockey League (NHL) and its Players’ Association, Hockey Fights Cancer is a charitable initiative that supports and inspires hope for cancer patients and their families who are living with, going through, and moving past cancer.

The boys’ team kicked off the action with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Trinity-Pawling School. And while the girls came up short in their game against Kent School, everyone was a winner on this day.

The fundraiser was a collective effort by both teams with assists from many in the Canterbury community, according to Boys’ Team Captain Nathan Ruzzi ’24:

• The two Head Coaches—Paddy McCarthy and Molly Gintoli—were involved throughout the planning.

• Student Debit Card Coordinator Arica Vancil helped with the donations.

• Nathan’s mother, Joanna Ruzzi P ’24, and Kerstin Ambruso ’24, a Captain on the Girls’ team, coordinated much of the bake sale. Kerstin also played a key role in the overall planning with Nathan.

• Girls’ Hockey player Ellen Barto ’25 created the flier that was distributed around campus.

• Morgan Lau ’24 and Camryn Beauvais ’24 (from Girls’ JV and Varsity Hockey, respectively) helped get the word out.

• Many generous Saints made gifts, purchased baked goods, and participated in the raffle and “Chuck-a-Puck” contest, all of which helped move the teams well past their $1,500 goal. All proceeds went to the American Cancer Society.

The Boys’ game featured a raffle, with the winner receiving a vintage Canterbury Boys’ Hockey jersey signed by the team. “Chuck-a-Puck” was held during the second intermission of the Girls’ game. The person who tossed their purchased puck closest to the center ice dot won a vintage Canterbury Girls’ Hockey jersey.

Both Kerstin and Nathan shared how amazing it was to galvanize the School for such a vital initiative. “The teams played for something much greater than themselves,” Kerstin said. “Overall, it was a great event, and, most importantly, we reached our donation goals with the help of friends, family, and the Canterbury community.”

Nathan echoed her sentiments. “I am just happy to organize an event that brings the campus and our families together for a good cause,” he explained. “I want to thank everyone who helped out this year. We could not have done it without your support.”

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