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The basics:
Devils host annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night Nov. 29 at Prudential Center
Honoree is 7-year-old survivor and fan, Trevor Bobev of Somerset
Event supports programs at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
Night includes fundraisers, tributes, youth hockey celebrations
The New Jersey Devils will host its annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night Nov. 29 as the NHL team takes on the Philadelphia Flyers at Prudential Center in Newark.
Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, the annual event aims to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. In the Nov. 24 announcement, the Devils unveiled a slew of activities and fundraising efforts that will support the classroom in the pediatric hematology/oncology clinic at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer, the state’s only freestanding cancer hospital, which NJBIZ has reported extensively on.
The evening’s central honoree will be 7-year-old Trevor Bobev of Somerset, a Burkitt’s Lymphoma survivor and devoted Devils fan who received treatment at Rutgers Cancer Institute under Dr. Archana Sharma.
Gameday
The team will host Bobev, who also graduated the Devils’ Learn to Play program, at both practice Nov. 25 and the game Nov. 29. His practice day will include signing a one-day contract, receiving a team-signed jersey, meeting players in the locker room and skating with them on the ice. On game night, Bobev will walk in with the players, watch warm-ups from the bench, participate in lineup announcements and take part in the ceremonial puck drop.
The Devils will also recognize Sharma, who is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and director of the pediatric survivorship program at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, as the Hero of the Game. Sharma treats a wide range of pediatric cancers and leads survivorship initiatives focused on how childhood cancer treatment affects patients into adulthood.
Libutti
“Earlier this year, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, deepened their commitment to transforming cancer care and research with the opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, New Jersey’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital,” said Dr. Steven Libutti, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president of oncology services at RWJBarnabas Health.
The mascots of the Somerset Patriots and New Jersey Devils visit with staff on the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center’s first day of outpatient care June 23, 2025. – PROVIDED BY RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
“Conquering cancer requires collaboration, and we are grateful for the support of the New Jersey Devils and the NHL, as Hockey Fights Cancer is such a meaningful initiative,” Libutti added.
Jam-packed evening
The organization plans a full slate of fundraising opportunities, in-arena activations, recognition moments and youth hockey celebrations throughout the night.
Key highlights include:
Fundraisers:
Mystery Puck sale
Jersey auction (Nov. 29–Dec. 6)
50/50 raffle
Arena turns lavender with special lighting, logos and sponsor-donated dasher placements
Fans participate in in-game tributes and concourse photo activations
Campbell’s Hometown Hockey Hero: Marco Escalona, longtime youth coach and cancer survivor
Movember Ticket Pack includes:
Exclusive merchandise
Postgame on-ice photo
Donation to men’s health
October Saves: New Jersey youth goalies raised $195,920; $15,000 check presentation to benefit the pediatric clinic classroom
Libutti added, “It is essential that we continue to expand oncology services across the state so patients and families can access the care they need close to home.”