Number of Participants: 42
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $5,845
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Boys Ice Hockey
School: Guilderland High School
Date: January 31, 2026
Location:
Guilderland High School
School Road, Guilderland Center
NY
About:
High school hockey rivalries often bring intensity to the ice, but in Schenectady County, one matchup has grown into something far more meaningful—uniting families, teammates, and an entire community around a shared cause.
Scott Chastenay, a longtime hockey parent and the current lead for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, saw a unique opportunity within the local hockey community. His son grew up skating and playing with the Schenectady Youth Hockey Association, where many players attend schools across Schenectady County. As those players advanced to the varsity level, some went on to play for Storm Varsity Hockey, while others suited up for Hawks Varsity Hockey.
When the two teams face off, the game feels like a mini family reunion—former teammates, shared memories, and lifelong connections filling the rink. To amplify that energy and give the matchup even greater meaning, Chastenay had an idea: put a trophy on the line and pair the rivalry with a cause that touches nearly every family.
The result was the creation of the Hockey Fights Cancer Cup, turning the annual Storm vs. Hawks game into a fundraiser benefiting the local Relay for Life. The Cup quickly became a fixture for both programs, with the host rink alternating each year and the game serving as a powerful reminder that competition and compassion can go hand in hand.
Student-athletes from both teams embraced the mission. Players helped sell Hockey Fights Cancer T-shirts and hats, encouraged friends and family to attend, and created “I Fight For” signs to honor loved ones and show solidarity with those impacted by cancer. The event has grown into a true community effort, driven by the leadership and commitment of the athletes themselves.
This year’s game marked the seventh edition of the Hockey Fights Cancer Cup, with the Storm earning its fifth Cup victory. More importantly, the event once again demonstrated how high school athletics can be a platform for unity, purpose, and positive impact—bringing a community together in the fight against cancer.
