PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Each year, the Philadelphia Flyers hold their annual night to bring awareness in the fight against cancer. This year's event will have a more personal meaning for the franchise.
The team's annual Hockey Fights Cancer night will take place Sunday evening when the Flyers take on the New York Islanders at 6:30 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center. The event helps bring awareness to the fight against the deadly disease, and honors those fighting cancer along with those who have been lost.
Oskar Lindblom will be on the ice for the Flyers, one year after winning his own battle with cancer. Lindblom said the support he received from fans and the organization helped him get through his ordeal.
"I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done to me," said Lindblom.
"It’s still going on. They haven’t stopped supporting me through the whole thing. I’m just happy to be in such a great organization and, like I said, I can’t thank them enough."
Lindblom has served as an inspiration for everybody working with the Flyers.
Cindy Stutman is the senior vice president of business operations for the Flyers, and is also the executive director of Flyers Charities. Stutman understands how Lindblom's situation will have a greater impact on Sunday's event.
"Hockey Fights Cancer is always a special night for us to be able to recognize people that have been battling cancer and the people that support them," Stutman said.
"But this year, for sure, it’s a lot more personal."
There will be plenty of opportunities for fans to recognize cancer survivors and cancer victims. Each fan at the game will receive a special rally towel, and a pregame ceremony will bring more awareness to those battling the disease.
"We’re going to be doing a lot of things to recognize people locally," said Stutman.
"I think from a very personal level, fans will get those rally towels when they come in the arena and be able to mark on them who they are fighting for."
There is still a hockey game to be played on Sunday night. The Flyers are desperate for points in the playoff race, and will also play Washington on Saturday afternoon.
However, the pressure of turning the season around will take a back seat to a more pressing issue before Sunday night's game.
Coach Alain Vigneault is especially happy to have Lindblom in the lineup.
"This is obviously going to be a very special night for him and a very special night for us," Vigneault said.
"He’s back playing. He’s healthy, and we’re real happy to have him around."