Ahead of his annual Kancer Jam at Northwell Health Ice Center this weekend, New York Islanders captain Anders Lee took to NHL Network to discuss the event on Tuesday.
Ahead of his annual Kancer Jam at Northwell Health Ice Center this weekend, New York Islanders captain Anders Lee took to NHL Network to discuss the event on Tuesday.
Ahead of his annual Kancer Jam at Northwell Health Ice Center this weekend, New York Islanders captain Anders Lee took to NHL Network to discuss the event on Tuesday.
Lee first hosted the Kancer Jam in 2017 in support of Jam Kancer in the Kan, a foundation that raises money for cancer victims and their families. Since his first Jam, Lee has raised over $2.7 million for the foundation.
He calls his relationship with the charity a "special journey, adding it's a "pretty fun way to kick off the year a little bit, get all the boys together and have them spend some time together with these kids and families and spend a nice little afternoon hanging out at our practice rink."
For his longstanding efforts with the foundation, he won the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who makes a significant impact in his community.
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy will be at the event on Saturday.
His partnership began back in 2017 and has supported cancer victims, most notably close friend Fenov Pierre-Louis,
"This kid was wise beyond his years," Lee said. "Had an infectious smile and was someone I grew pretty close with." Pierre-Louis sadly lost his battle with neuroblastoma in 2018, but he continues to work in his memory.
"He had been working with Jam Kancer, so I hopped on board, and since then, I've been just trying to, in his name, continue on and help those affected by this disease."
As the Islanders prepare to renew the tradition, it takes a village to pull it off, and Lee is grateful to have the full support of his teammates for the cause. Lee said, "It means a lot to me. They're the ones who make this event.
"These kids and families have the opportunity to hang out with almost our entire team for the afternoon in a nice setting where it's pretty intimate and small, one where we can spend some quality time. Their support is really what makes this whole thing as special as it is."
The Kancer Jam begins at 12:30 and will take place on Saturday at Northwell's outdoor rink. For those unable to attend, auctions for various experiences and memorabilia will open on Thursday. More information can be found on Jam Kancer on the Kan's website.