NHL Foundation Announces Partnership with CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation

Expansion Of Hockey Fights Cancer Initiative Focuses On Children

NEW YORK (May 20, 2004) - The NHL Foundation announced today a partnership with CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF) as part of its commitment to fighting childhood cancer.

The partnership is an expansion of the NHL Foundations' Hockey Fights Cancer joint charitable initiative with the NHL Players' Association that is committed to raising money and awareness for childhood cancer patients of all ages. The alliance with CureSearch will deepen the NHL Foundation's commitment to children that have been diagnosed with cancer.

"Since its inception in 1998, the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative has raised more than $6.2 million and brought NHL players to Children's Hospitals across North America," said Ken Martin, director NHL community relations. "We are honored to be joining forces with the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation and its vast network of member hospitals and events to further our commitment to cancer's youngest patients."

"It is a privilege to be included in the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative," said Paul T. Burke, CureSearch NCCF President. "With the generous support of the NHL and hockey fans around the country, we can make tremendous strides toward conquering childhood cancer in our lifetime and reaching the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure."

As part of the partnership, the NHL Foundation will integrate CureSearch into existing Hockey Fights Cancer activities and events such as Hockey All-Star Kids, All- Star Game check presentation and Member Club Awareness Nights. CureSearch will create unique NHL and NHL player content at marquee events such as its annual St. Baldrick's Celebration and Gold Ribbon Days.

Cancer is the number-one disease killer of children in the United States. Forty-six children are diagnosed with cancer daily, the equivalent of two classrooms full. Although there has been remarkable progress in research and treatment, thousands of children die annually from the disease and its incidence has increased every year for more than 25 years.

CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation proudly supports CureSearch Children's Oncology Group (COG), a network of over 5,000 physicians, nurses and scientists who conduct clinical trials in childhood cancer and perform cutting-edge research at more than 200 member institutions, representing every pediatric cancer program in North America. CureSearch member-institutions treat over 90 percent of children with cancer in North America, as well as, provide expert diagnosis, state-of-theart treatment and compassionate care. This world-class network has transformed an almost always fatal disease to one that is curable in more than 77 percent of patients today. For more information, visit www.curesearch.org.

Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint charitable initiative founded in December 1988 by the National Hockey League and NHL Players' Association and supported by NHL Member Clubs, NHL Alumni, the NHL Officials' Association, Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers and Equipment Managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners and fans throughout North America. To date, more than $6.2 million has been raised to support cancer research. Fans are encouraged to join the fight by calling 1-800- 540-6500 or logging on to www.hockeyfightscancer.com. All donations are tax deductible..

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