Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and the Seattle Kraken Team up for Hockey Fights Cancer Platform

Nov. 14, 2024

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) and the Seattle Kraken are excited to team up to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction throughout the month of November, and will host the official “Kraken Hockey Fights Cancer” game on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Climate Pledge Arena. Kraken Hockey Fights Cancer is part of a national initiative launched by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association. During the game, prostate cancer screenings and education will be available for fans.

“Our work with the Seattle Kraken is critical in our efforts to meet people where they are and help them stay educated, engaged and proactive when it comes to their health,” noted Ketul J. Patel, CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and president of CommonSpirit Health’s Northwest Region. “The team has been an amazing partner to us and the work we are doing together is truly saving lives.” 

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and early detection can increase the chances of survival. Located at the northwest corner of Climate Pledge Arena, by the living wall, male Kraken fans can get a simple blood draw to detect elevated levels of PSA, a potential marker for prostate cancer.  

Those recommended for screening include men who are: 

• 50 or older who are at average risk of prostate cancer 
• 45+ and at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• 40+ for those who are even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age)

Walk-ups are welcome. No pre-registration is required.

The Seattle Kraken and VMFH have partnered since the team’s inception to help keep the team healthy on and off the ice all season long. VMFH and the Kraken also partner year-round to educate fans, raise awareness about health initiatives, and fundraise for vital community health initiatives, and research.

“While Hockey Fights Cancer is just one month out of the year, we know this is an ongoing fight and are proud to partner with VMFH on spreading awareness that Early Detection Saves Lives,” said Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Kraken. “We are grateful to VMFH for making it simple and easy for our fans to get screened, all while at a Kraken game!”

VMFH is the Official Team Medical Care Provider for the Kraken. From primary care, cardiology to sports medicine and orthopedics, VMFH is the Kraken’s trusted destination for health care. 

About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is an integrated health system serving the Puget Sound region, including 10 hospitals and 300 care sites. Founded in 1891, VMFH embraces its long history of caring for the most vulnerable, especially the poor and underserved, and meeting the evolving health care needs of the vibrant, diverse communities it serves. VMFH is a proud home to the Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the United States designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, and the Benaroya Research Institute, an internationally recognized institution for autoimmune disease research. VMFH is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest health systems, dedicated to advancing health for all people.

About Seattle Kraken

Launched in 2021, the Seattle Kraken are the National Hockey League's 32nd franchise and compete in the league's Pacific Division. The 2024-25 season will be the Kraken's fourth at Climate Pledge Arena. Visit www.nhl.com/kraken for the latest news and information including press releases, multimedia and content.