Compiled from Press Release
The “Puck Cancer” Charity hockey game April 5 at 7 p.m. at Centene Community Ice Center in St. Louis will feature St. Louis Blues Alumni squaring off against legendary NHL alumni and celebrity guest. The game promises an evening of excitement and entertainment, featuring two halves of thrilling hockey action and fan-friendly activations including live music and intermission games with opportunities to win autographed memorabilia.
Chase, the former Blues enforcer and broadcaster, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last fall, and will be hosting the event. After some 70 days and nights of treatments, Chase is in remission.
In support of the event, Hippos, the cannabis company owned in part by Chase designed a limited edition “Cancer is a Bear – Fight Like Chase!” T-shirt and Hoodie featuring Blues Alumni Kelly Chase. They will be for sale at the event and will also be available for purchase from any Hippos Dispensary location.
Chase said, “In the face of adversity, we find strength in unity. I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from Hippos Cannabis and our community as we come together to ‘Puck Cancer’ and make a difference in the fight against this relentless disease. Let’s lace up our skates and show cancer that we’re not backing down.”
Proceeds from the ‘Puck Cancer’ charity game and Hippos’ T-shirt and Hoodie sales will be directed toward the St. Louis Blues Alumni Cancer Association. Led by Hall of Famer Brett Hull, the Blues Alumni team will face a star-studded roster including NHL Hall of Famers Ed Belfour and Chris Chelios.
Lt. Col. Mike Caruso, who dedicated over 40 years to service in the St. Louis Police Department and served as the Director of Security for the St. Louis Blues for more than 45 years, bravely battled leukemia until his passing in October 2023. Beyond Caruso’s steadfast commitment to his cherished sports team and the local community, he also played a vital role as a warm and welcoming presence at Hippos’ stores across Missouri as the Company’s Director of Security.
“We are honored to sponsor the ‘Puck Cancer’ charity game, commemorating the memory of our esteemed former Director of Security, Lt. Col. Mike Caruso, and rallying behind one of our owners, Kelly Chase, former St. Blues enforcer and current Chairman of the NHL Alumni Association,” said Nicholas Rinella, CEO of Hippos “We lost Lt. Col. Caruso to leukemia in October 2023, and shortly thereafter, Chase received his own diagnosis. Caruso’s legacy remains etched in our hearts and our stores, embodying a lifetime of commitment to both his community and the beloved sport. Chase continues to display unwavering determination, now nearing the conclusion of his initial treatment. It is our aspiration that, with our endeavors and the generosity of others, we can generate a substantial amount of funds to support this important cause.”
The game promises an evening of excitement and entertainment, featuring two halves of thrilling hockey action and fan-friendly activations including live music and intermission games with opportunities to win autographed memorabilia.
Chase said, “In the face of adversity, we find strength in unity. I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from Hippos Cannabis and our community as we come together to ‘Puck Cancer’ and make a difference in the fight against this relentless disease. Let’s lace up our skates and show cancer that we’re not backing down.”
To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com/event/0600604DD0A56C65. General admission tickets are priced at $50, while VIP tickets, offering all-inclusive food and beverage along with access to a post game party with players and celebrities, are available for $500.
Photo credit: Blues YouTube, Kelly Chase, screenshot
