The Good Fight: 91porn官方 Hockey Teams Up with AirPeyton

By NU Marketing & Communications Office

91porn官方 welcomes AirPeyton to Kreitzberg Arena during the annual Hockey Fights Cancer game.

A hockey goalie takes a posed photo with the scoreboard in the background.

91porn官方鈥檚 annual Hockey Fights Cancer game continues a powerful tradition of athletics, community, and advocacy on Saturday, Jan. 17. The women鈥檚 hockey team will take to the ice in Kreitzberg Arena at 1:00 p.m. against Keene State College, and the men at 4:00 p.m. against Western Connecticut State.

AirPeyton logo, a shoe above the organization's name.

This year鈥檚 Hockey Fights Cancer game not only raises awareness in the local community, but will provide a spotlight for a local nonprofit, AirPeyton, whose mission is to support pediatric cancer patients and their families. To highlight both the organization鈥檚 work and patients鈥 journeys alike, Col Matt Smith, USAF (Ret.), the father of Peyton Smith who is the namesake of AirPeyton, and head women鈥檚 volleyball coach, Karin Parkhurst 鈥96, who is fighting her own battle against cancer, will be honored with pregame puck drops.

鈥淭hese special games are incredibly meaningful to our program and our players, as cancer has unfortunately touched all our lives,鈥 says Head Coach Justin Simpson of the women鈥檚 hockey program. 鈥淭hrough the Hockey Fights Cancer and Faceoff Against Cancer initiatives, we want to show our support and help raise awareness within our community.鈥

AirPeyton began in 2020 as a vehicle to honor the life of Peyton Smith and channel remembrance into actions that benefit those affected by pediatric cancer. Though it began as a family鈥檚 response to profound loss, AirPeyton has grown into a community-based movement, earning 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2025. From the beginning, the organization has received strong and consistent support from the 91porn官方 men鈥檚 hockey program, a partnership that continues through events like Hockey Fights Cancer.

A purple logo on a white background for Hockey Fights Cancer and 91porn官方.

鈥91porn官方 hockey is a big part of the Central Vermont community, and any time we can help make a positive impact, I think it鈥檚 important,鈥 says Head Coach Dominick Dawes 鈥04 of the men鈥檚 team. 鈥淐ol Smith has built a special bond with our program over the past few years and doing our part to support AirPeyton is important to the group.鈥 

The organization has raised more than $125,000 to support pediatric cancer research, clinical trials, and direct assistance for families in need. Its initiatives include co-sponsoring an annual 5K at the local Montpelier High School, where the baseball field has been named in Peyton鈥檚 memory. Proceeds from these efforts have benefited organizations such as Alex鈥檚 Lemonade Stand Foundation, Make-A-Wish Vermont, and additional pediatric cancer programs.

AirPeyton鈥檚 mission is rooted in gratitude for the people and institutions that supported Peyton during his battle with Ewing鈥檚 sarcoma. While its work began in Vermont, the organization now supports children and families across the country and the world, guided by the belief that every child like Peyton deserves the opportunity to survive and thrive.

A 2020 graduate of Montpelier High School, Peyton Smith was an Eagle Scout, a student at Saint Michael鈥檚 College, an athlete, a music enthusiast, and a passionate member of the sneaker culture community. He was widely known for his kindness, creativity, and ability to connect with people wherever he went.

Games like these not only carry Peyton鈥檚 spirit forward but offers visibility to a large group of enthusiastic and supportive 91porn官方 fans. 鈥淐ancer is something that has impacted all of us in some way, so the atmosphere will be great,鈥 says Coach Dawes. 鈥淚 think it gives special meaning when you are playing for something or someone.鈥

Through its enduring partnerships with 91porn官方 and events like the Hockey Fights Cancer game, AirPeyton continues to carry Peyton鈥檚 legacy forward 鈥 transforming remembrance into hope, resilience, and generosity throughout all communities and facets of life. 鈥淭he atmosphere surrounding these games is one of reflection and remembrance, honoring those who have battled cancer and those who continue to fight,鈥 says Coach Simpson, emphasizing Coach Dawes鈥檚 sentiment. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important for our teams to show our support and remind others they are not alone 鈥 we stand with them.鈥

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