Wildly Caring: “Hockey Fights Cancer” night raises funds for local patients

WENATCHEE — The ice rink at the Town Toyota Center recently hosted an event that, while more restrained than a typical Wenatchee Wild hockey game, left a significant impact. On July 2, Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Wild presented the funds raised from their annual “Hockey Fights Cancer” event to the EASE (Exercise And Survivorship Education) Cancer Foundation.

The EASE Cancer Foundation, a Cashmere-based non-profit, supports residents of North Central Washington by improving the quality of life for cancer survivors and their caregivers. They offer expert-led programs, workshops, and retreats designed to provide tools, support, and perhaps most importantly a sense of community for navigating the challenges of cancer with strength and hope. The customary giant check for $16,841.26 was presented to the EASE Cancer Foundation to support their mission of assisting cancer patients and their families throughout the region.

In a statement, Gretchen Littler, director of sales and marketing for the Wenatchee Wild, explained, "We started our partnership with EASE Cancer Foundation for our Hockey Fights Cancer night during the 2021-2022 season. Over the four seasons with EASE Cancer Foundation as our beneficiary, our Wild Nation has helped raise $58,902.05 through jersey auctions, Chuck A Puck, 50/50, and ticket sales. We have been happy to work with EASE Cancer Foundation as our beneficiary these past four seasons to help spread awareness of this phenomenal foundation helping survivors and caregivers through education!"

This year's game, played against the Tri-City Americans on March 1, 2025, saw increased interest and attendance, with 3,201 fans cheering on the Wild and supporting the cause. "This past season we had a 10% increase in attendance over the previous year's Hockey Fights Cancer event," Littler added. "We are looking forward to continuing our Hockey Fights Cancer event for the upcoming 2025-2026 season."

Confluence Health has long supported this event as part of their community outreach and commitment to the ongoing fight against cancer, alongside local and regional partners like the EASE Cancer Foundation. Confluence Health staff and providers volunteer for the event annually, and it's popular for employee families to attend and offer support outside the hospital and clinic walls.

Littler emphasized, "The Wild organization knows this event is only possible because of Confluence Health! We greatly appreciate the support from Confluence Health for this event and being a premium Wild partner."

The continued success and impressive funds raised this year are a testament to the local community's support and commitment to their friends and neighbors, demonstrating that no one faces their cancer treatment journey alone.

Spencer Green, oncology service line director at Confluence Health, concluded, "We can't thank our community and the Wenatchee Wild enough for their continued support in our fight against cancer."

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media