Brendan Smith will host his first-ever Kancer Jam in Newark on Jan. 7.
Brendan Smith will host his first-ever Kancer Jam in Newark on Jan. 7.
Most sports stories focus on the player on the ice, with the story's contents comprising of statistics and analysis.
This is not that kind of story.
This is a story about the man who wears a New Jersey Devils jersey with the No. 2 on the back and his desire to give back and use his platform to help others.
Brendan Smith has been with the New Jersey Devils since he signed as a free agent in July 2022. This weekend, on Jan. 7, he will host his first-ever Kancer Jam event in Newark, New Jersey.
"I'm excited to host my first Kancer Jam event in January to raise funds for those affected by breast cancer," Smith said. "As someone who has lost family members to cancer, I know first-hand how impactful and inspiring events like these can be. I hope those who sign up are looking forward to a fun afternoon competing with and against my teammates and I while giving back to a great cause."
When announced, the Kancer Jam tournament had 32 team slots, each with two players paired with a Devils player. Those who are participating donated or fundraised a minimum of $2,222 per team, with all proceeds donated to The Breast Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.
After a recent practice, Smith and I sat down to talk about his Kancer Jam event and why he waited until now to host something like this.
"I Feel Like I Haven't Used My Platform Enough"
Smith was 22 years old when he broke into the league as a member of the Detroit Red Wings. Off the ice, the rookie defenseman spent time doing hospital visits, which led to him getting his pup, a Bernese mountain dog, certified as a service dog so he could take him to the hospital to cheer up the patients.
"People are in their beds, and they can pet him; he is such a loving dog," Smith said. "We wanted to do a lot of that, but then I was traded, and things changed."
"Life changes, right? Then you have kids, and life happens," he continued. "I would do little things where my brother and I would get equipment to those underprivileged, and we were able to send 60 sets of gear to the reserve in Nova Scotia."
But Smith wanted to do more.
"I feel like I haven't used my platform enough," he said. "You can really create change. I feel that with this Kancer Jam, it's another thing where I can help and give back."
What the defenseman said next took me by surprise. His following few sentences were filled with honesty and sincerity.
"I feel like I haven't done enough," he said. "I think the main reason for that was I was so focused on my performance and playing hockey and doing my job right that I lost the bigger picture of using my platform to help for better causes."
"Maybe that was a little selfish or just not being aware, but as I get older and now having kids, you mature, and then you're like, I got to do some more."
Smith's First-Ever Kancer Jam Event
When asked how Smith was first introduced to The Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation, he referenced his former teammate Kevin Shattenkirk and New York Islanders captain Anders Lee.
"I was always helping but never running anything," he said. "I never helped out in a bigger way. I was always a partner."
Smith credits Jamey Crimmins, the founder of The Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation, and the Devils PR staff for working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring his event to life.
"It was a little idea, and now it's actually happening, and it's just a great feeling because that little idea is now coming to fruition."
New Jersey's Brotherhood
While Smith acknowledges things are always subject to change, all his teammates have shown support and are looking to attend Sunday's event.
"I think right now, we got everybody, but obviously, that is subject to change with injuries and whatnot, but even Dougie (Hamilton), who is injured, said he is going to be there."
"That means everything. That's the number one thing, and that's actually what gets me a little emotional," Smith said. "This is why I love the NHL. This is why I love the game. You create a brotherhood in the room. This whole event doesn't happen without these guys."
Smith's teammates are helping him honor the lives of his grandparents, Joyce and Lester Smith, who both lost their battle with breast cancer. It was not easy for the Ontario native to talk about his grandparents' influence on him and his brothers Rory and Reilly.
Simply put, "They are the reason we are here today."
While his grandfather took on the responsibility of driving the boys to their respective sporting events, his grandmother was the chef who ensured plenty of food was on the table.
"It's a really big thing for me to be able to give back and honor their name. I hope they are looking down on me, and they are proud of me."
Smith said a few spots are still open, and there is still time to donate or register to join him on Sunday afternoon. While his name is attached to the event, Smith is the first to admit this is a team effort.
"It might say Brendan Smith's Kancer Jam, but it's really the Devils because it's (those guys) who are supporting this. For them to take time out of their day to help this cause it means more to me than they will know. I really can't thank them enough."