Teen Cancer Survivor Inspires New Jersey Devils to 7-2 Win Over Sabres

NEWARK, NJ – In the moments before the New Jersey Devils took the ice on Saturday night, 13-year-old brain cancer survivor Charlie Shomers of Hillsborough, New Jersey joined the team in the locker room on Hockey Fights Cancer Night as part of a league-wide charitable initiative.

After sharing a special bond with players and coaches, Charlie, who completed his last radiation treatment just over a month ago, announced to the team that Vitek Vanecek would be the team’s starting goaltender before participating in a ceremonial puck drop at center ice in front of thousands of cheering fans at the Prudential Center.

Then came the scoring…and there was lots of it.

Devils forward Alexander Holtz netted the game’s first goal less than two minutes into the first period on a quick snapshot assisted by Erik Haula.

Tyler Toffoli added a goal to extend the lead and captain Nico Hischier scored the game’s third goal in his return to the lineup from an 11-game absence.

Ondrej Palat rounded out a dominant opening period in which the Devils outshot the Sabres 18-3 by scoring his second goal of the season.

“I thought what was powerful is that we had Charlie in the dressing room before the game,” Devils head coach Lindy Ruff in the post-game press conference. “You can imagine the fight and battle that he has had as a young man. So, you take playing a game of hockey and the battles that you have during the season and that’s nothing compared to what Charlie’s going through.”

New Jersey ended a three-game skid as they scored a season-best seven goals.

“It was the best first period of the season so I’m going to see if he can come back,” Ruff quipped.

The feeling, I’m sure, was mutual.

“Seeing the love and support you receive from all you friends, family and community is heartening,” Charlie’s father Ryan said before the game. “Just the outreach from the NHL and the Devils to sponsor these events and support the families who are going through this tough time and give them something to look forward to and celebrate during a horrible time is important.”

In July, Charlie was diagnosed with Ependymoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. After a successful surgery to remove the tumor and 33 radiation therapy treatments over eight weeks, Charlie completed treatment in October at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and is on the road to recovery.

“He has been an absolute warrior through all of it,” Charlie’s mother Stephanie said of her son. “He has rolled with it the entire time, hasn’t felt sorry for himself. He’s healed and done well. He has handled everything amazing.”

Before the game, Charlie met with Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and signed a one-day contract with the team and his own locker stall. He was also surprised by his favorite player Jack Hughes who signed autographs and shared a few laughs with the family. Charlie also hitched a ride on the Zamboni during the second intermission.

“It makes us happy that there’s finally something positive,” Stephanie added. “One of the things you learn when your child is diagnosed with cancer is the importance of making memories together because you don’t know. This is a core memory.”

Charlie has his first follow-up MRI this week and that will be the first big hurdle the resilient teenager has to clear.

“I feel fine,” Charlie said before the game as he has returned to normal everyday activities.

His advice to anyone going through a similar hardship is to “stay strong and pray that they’re going to get through it.”

Dr. Rahul Parikh, Medical Director of the Laurie Proton Therapy Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and one of Charlie’s doctors was recognized as the Hero of the Game. Dr. Parikh leads a team of specialists who provide sophisticated radiation therapy treatments to both adult and pediatric cancer patients across the RWJBarnabas Health system.

“As RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey continue to transform cancer care together through advances in cancer prevention, research and treatment, we are appreciative of the ongoing support of the NHL and our partner, the New Jersey Devils,” said Dr. Steven Libutti, Director, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Senior Vice President, Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health. “Hockey Fights Cancer Night truly helps to lift the spirits of cancer patients and their families by paying tribute to their strength and perseverance and reinforces the need to support cancer research and care.”

The Devils also recognized top fundraising New Jersey youth hockey goaltenders who raised $130,000 last month for October Saves, which benefits cancer research. Lucas Epstein of the Rockets Hockey Club finished in first place for New Jersey, raising over $10,000. October Saves and the New Jersey Youth Hockey Community will be donating $10,000 to Cancer Transportation Program at Community Medical Center. The New Jersey Colonials raised over $25,000 this year, including goalie Lily Giordano, who raised over $5,681 for October Saves herself.

Prior to the game, the National Anthem will be sung by Samantha Blossey, whose parents are both cancer survivors. Lily Giordano of the NJ Colonials served as Junior Captain of the game.

Fans have the opportunity to bid on the Devils’ Hockey Fights Cancer-themed jerseys. The auction will run through December 2. Fans will be able to place their bid at newjerseydevils.com/HFC. Additionally, funds raised through that night’s 50/50 will benefit the Cancer Transportation Program at Community Medical Center as well.