By: Maha Khan

What began as a deeply personal fight against breast cancer has grown into a continent-wide movement inspired by one of the most unique roles in sports, the ice hockey goalie. October Saves, a grassroots fundraising initiative founded by a cancer survivor and her two closest friends, has transformed the simple act of making a save into a meaningful tool in the ongoing effort against cancer.

At just 37 years old, October Saves co-founder Lara Hopewell was diagnosed with breast cancer. During treatment, her close friends Kerry and Travis launched a fundraising team in her honor, a gesture that helped lay the groundwork for what would become a growing national nonprofit.

“We started with different fundraising events, but once I finished treatment, we realized we wanted to channel our energy into something more meaningful and sustainable,” Lara shared. “My young sons, then just four and seven, had fallen in love with hockey and were both learning to be goalies. The rink had become their happy place while I was sick. Our hockey community was incredible, and we felt that was where we could make the most difference.”

That insight gave rise to the October Saves Goalie Challenge, a distinctive campaign encouraging goalies to collect pledges for every save they make during the month of October. Beginning with 28 goalies from her sons’ team, the Ashburn Xtreme, the group raised $32,000 in its first year, which was quite encouraging. The following year, the team invited another club to join them. Soon after, the governing body for youth hockey in the Mid-Atlantic region became involved, and the movement grew rapidly. Today, October Saves includes thousands of goalies from across the U.S. and Canada, working together with the hope of making a meaningful impact on cancer.

Each participating goalie serves as a beacon of hope. They track their saves in both practices and games, asking friends and family to pledge donations for each one. “It’s a community event,” said Lara. “Everyone cheers on their goalie, and suddenly this usually isolated position becomes a symbol of collective strength. Goalies feel empowered as leaders on and off the ice.”

The initiative’s rallying cry—All Saves, One Goal—captures the spirit of the movement.

October Saves stands out not only for its unique focus on goaltenders but also for the powerful way it raises the profile of the position. “Goalies are often on their own island during a game,” she explained. “This gives them an opportunity to come together as a ‘Goalie Nation.’ It’s a rare chance to highlight their hard work, resilience, and leadership. Few initiatives focus specifically on this special group of athletes.”

The hockey community has welcomed the challenge warmly. NHL teams such as the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins have shown their support. Legendary NHL goalie coach Mitch Korn is one of the initiative’s most enthusiastic advocates, offering prizes and traveling annually to deliver a special “Fireside Chat” to the top fundraising club.

Goalies of all ages, from youth players to professionals, have joined the cause. “Somehow, it really resonated,” said Lara. “The Goalie Nation seemed to be waiting for something tailored just for them, and now they’re using it to help make a difference.”

October Saves is dedicated to supporting both pediatric and adult cancer causes. The leadership team takes a hands-on approach to distributing funds, personally visiting hospitals and research institutions to assess where their donations can have the most meaningful effect. They also aim to connect young participants with beneficiaries whenever possible, helping them appreciate the tangible impact of their efforts.

While many milestones have marked October Saves’ journey, it’s the people who make the deepest impression. “Meeting our goalies and hearing their stories—how cancer has touched their lives—that’s what motivates us. They’re not doing this for rewards. They’re doing it because they want to help reduce the impact of cancer.”

Looking ahead, the team’s vision remains focused: expand the program to every hockey organization across North America. “Every goalie can sign up, and even better, every club can sign up and contribute together,” Lara said. “Eventually, we hope to extend this model to other sports—soccer, lacrosse, field hockey—but right now, we’re focused on rallying Goalie Nation.”

From a small ice rink in Ashburn, Virginia, to arenas across the U.S. and Canada, October Saves has turned every blocked puck into a chance for hope. One save at a time, these goalies are defending more than just the net—they’re contributing to a broader effort to improve lives.