Cody Smuk’s Story

Since 2019, Huskies Fight Cancer Night has raised funds to support Choc’laCure, a yearlong fundraising campaign that raises money for equipment purchases at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre through the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

Like so many – too many – the Huskies have been touched by cancer.

In 2014, a senior on the team, Cody Smuk, faced a tough battle with testicular cancer that moved to his lung at just 25 years old. He was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma.

“When he really needed it, his friends came through, as did the hockey community,” says Marty Smuk, Cody’s dad.

A GoFundMe was established to support Cody, as he was too sick to work. By the end, more than $115,000 had been raised and Cody travelled to Germany in search of a cure.

Cody sadly lost his battle on June 25, 2015, but left an undeniable mark on the team.

Cody’s legacy as a person and player has been permanently immortalized with the creation of Smuker’s Lounge, an area in the arena where family and friends of the current team and alumni can come and socialize.

The Huskies adopted the motto “We all play the Cody Smuk way” in tribute to his team-oriented and generous character. This virtue is put into action through the annual Huskies Fight Cancer games in support of Choc’laCure’s fundraising efforts. Cody’s parents continue to attend in their jerseys with Smuk on the back and their son’s number 24.

“We’re fighting for Cody: we’re continuing in the fight against cancer,” says Darla Smuk, Cody’s mother. “There isn’t anyone I don’t believe that hasn’t been touched by cancer, in some way. We just have to continue the fight, in memory of Cody, for those that are in the fight now.”

This story is included in Your 2023-2024 Donor Report alongside many inspiring stories of generosity. Read Your 2023-2024 Donor Report