A month from now, the Islanders will be getting ready for the start of training camp in preparation for the 2024-25 season. But before the Islanders report for camp, they will gather at their Northwell Health Training Center practice facility in East Meadow for a very special event.
On Saturday September 24th, Captain Anders Lee will host “Anders Jam ‘24”, a fundraising Kan Jam event on the outdoor rink at Eisenhower Park to raise money to support local families affected by cancer.
“I’m very excited to host another Kancer Jam and get together with the guys and see the kids and families,” said Lee during a zoom session with reporters on Wednesday.
“It’s a fun way to get the boys together for the first time a little bit and follow it up the next few days getting on the ice and going after this thing.”
Lee has been a “Jambassador” since 2016 and his efforts have helped the “Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation” raise more than $2,700,000 at fundraising events that are held in local communities and NHL cities across the country.
Last year, Lee’s event raised more than $155,000.
Here’s how it works.
Two-player teams register to play at jamkancerinthekan.com and there is a limit of 32 team slots available. Those registered teams will compete with Lee and celebrity friends, including his teammates in a Kan Jam tournament. It will be an afternoon of frisbee throwing fun and Lee is thankful that his teammates always support him by participating.
“I’m very honored by it,” said Lee, this year’s winner of the NHL’s King Clancy Award presented annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.
“These guys are the ones that make the event. The people who donate or want to participate for the kids we bring out and their families they get to see 20 plus Islanders guys and get to hang out with them. I’m very proud of the guys for stepping up.”
When the registered teams are not competing, they have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the Lee and his teammates in an intimate environment. Each participant will receive an “Anders Jam ‘24” gift bag, a commemorative shirt and other gifts along with the chance to earn game tickets to signed memorability and more.
Lee launched the event when the Islanders called Barclays Center in Brooklyn home and then it was on hiatus, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, until last year when it made it’s return and for the first time was held on Long Island.
“Last year it was great that we were finally able to bring Anders’ event back and it was successful beyond even my wildest dreams,” said Jamey Crimmins, the founder of Jam Kancer in the Kan. “My goal is to exceed that because the more money we raise, the more we’re able to help families.”
It remains to be seen if two of Lee’s longtime teammates will be on hand as rumors persist that the Islanders are ready to move on from Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck who are both unsigned free agents.
Lee is hopeful that both of them will be there for the event and recognizes what they’ve meant to the franchise and all of Islanders Country.
“They are two guys who have been the heart and soul of our team for a very long time,” said Lee. “Matty has been in this organization and meant a lot to our room and the community of Long Island for a very long time. Regardless of what happens, those are going to be spots or shoes or skates that are going to be tough to fill. These guys are people that have been friends that have had a big part of my career and many guys in our room.”
If Martin and Clutterbuck do not return, the Islanders roster will certainly look a bit different than in years past. The Islanders dipped into free agency a bit signing veteran forward Anthony Duclair as well as Russian forward Maxim Tsyplakov.
The Islanders will also be entering their first full season with Patrick Roy as head coach so there is a significant excitement level surrounding the team.
“I’m pumped,” said Lee. “I can’t wait to get going here. It’s been a long enough summer. We’ve had plenty of time to get our legs going and get prepared for the season. I can’t wait to get back on the Island and see everybody. Patrick coming in and seeing us for a little bit of last season and pushing us through to the end is opportunity here and ours as well as players to all come together in camp and put ourselves in a position to hit the ground running.”
But before the Islanders report to training camp, go through media day and get on the ice, Lee and his teammates will gather at their practice home for a special day that will benefit a great cause.
The great thing about Jam Kancer in the Kan is that anyone can put on an event. My family knows that first-hand as my son Bradley did a Kancer Jam for his Bar Mitzvah project back in 2018.
All you need is a supporting cast and a destination for the money that is raised.
“It really is a very simple thing for us to execute,” said Crimmins. “All we need is space. We need a footprint to be able to execute an event but anybody that has a set of dedicated and passionate people who want to come together to raise money, we’re glad to work with them and help them raise the money and help them give it away. It’s really simple.”
And as the Islanders look to have a special season, it all starts for Anders Lee and company with day of fun that goes a long way to helping the Long Island community.
“It’s just great to get everyone together and have a good time,” said Lee. “There’s a lot to like about our team. There’s a good excitement and a good little buzz for us within the players here. I can’t wait to get back and get going.”
Anders Jam ’24 is already off to a fast start as the NHL has jump-started the fundraising with a $25,000 donation. There is also a strong possibility that the NHL is going to send something else to Northwell Health Ice Center for the participants to enjoy ono September 15th…
The King Clancy Award won by Anders Lee.
To register for Anders Jam ’24, click on this link…
https://www.jamkancerinthekan.com/events/anders-lee-kancer-jam-v-2024/