ITHACA, N.Y. — The Cornell men's hockey program has initiated the "Big Red Blocks for Healing" campaign that will help raise funds for Kesem, an organization that supports children affected by a cancer diagnosis to a parent.

Kesem provides year-round programs and services to support children at no cost for families while also offering a free one-week overnight summer camp for kids ages 6 to 18 who have been impacted by a parent's cancer. The camp provides a fun atmosphere and experiences to help children escape — even for a short time — the challenges of coping with their parent's cancer diagnosis.

Junior defenseman Hank Kempf is running the "Big Red Blocks for Healing" campaign with the help of senior goaltender Ryan McInchak. The entire Cornell men's hockey coaching staff also aided Kempf and McInchak in organizing the fundraiser.

"The team and I are super excited to get Big Red Blocks for Healing rolling," Kempf stated. "The project does a great job in tying together a big part of our team's identity in blocking shots and sacrificing for each other while raising awareness for such a great cause. We are eager to see how much money we can raise for Kesem this season."

Fans are asked to join Cornell's team and pledge a determined dollar amount (minimum of $0.10) for each shot Cornell blocks throughout the 2023-24 season. An alternative to the price-per-block, fans are also eligible to make a one-time donation.

As a reference, Cornell blocked 370 of its opponent's shots last season, which would have yielded a $37 donation to Kesem for a 10-cent pledge. Through its first nine games this season, Cornell has blocked 122 shots, averaging 13.6 blocks per game.

Cornell's goal is to raise $5,000 for Kesem by the end of the 2023-24 season.

The No. 16-ranked Cornell men's hockey team returns to action this weekend with its annual home-and-home series with geographic rival Colgate. The series begins tonight in Hamilton at the Class of 1965 Arena before shifting to Lynah Rink on Saturday. Both contests are scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and over the airwaves on WHCU (870 AM, 97.7 FM, whcuradio.com). Canadian fans can also watch Saturday's contest on TSN+.

Saturday's game at Lynah Rink will be a White Out, and fans are encouraged to wear white. In addition to the White Out, fans are asked to consider bringing toys to deposit inside the Toys for Tots Drive bins situated throughout the concourses of Lynah Rink.