WICHITA, Kan. (Mar. 2) – Hockey provides an outlet for so many of us. We head to the rink to enjoy the game we love but can also keep our mind away from the other distractions that may be affecting our lives. For Declan Smith and Matt Davis, playing means so much more.

Both players play for their love of the sport but also want to honor family members who were affected by cancer. Declan Smith lost his mom after an eight-year battle with lung cancer. Matt Davis' mom was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma a few years ago. 

Smith, now in his second full year with the Thunder, was very open about what Puck Cancer night means to him. When asked, he was willing to discuss something that you could tell affected him greatly. 

"Hockey can be a really good distraction for anyone who is going through anything," said Smith. "Any time there is a Fight Cancer game, it is super important to me."

He was in his 20-year season when his mom passed. He shared a story about the day of the funeral and how important having people in your corner can be. 

"Her funeral was on a Wednesday. My whole team drove up from Cape Breton to my hometown, which was about 2.5 hours. It was a really nice, kind gesture and just shows how close we were as a group that season."

The next home game was on a Friday, a few days after the funeral. Smith made the decision that he wanted to get back in the lineup and play. He ended up scoring the game-winning goal that night. Smith honored his mom by pointing to the sky.

"That was a really special night for me," stated Smith. "Anytime we have a Cancer night, it means a lot to me and my family."

For Davis, raising awareness for cancer has become a family affair. His mom is now in remission, but that hasn't stopped his dad and sister from raising money. 

"My dad and sister participate in the Alberta Cycle for Cancer," said Davis. "The race is 200 kilometers, and they do it every summer. This is a cause we keep very close to our heart."

Davis got emotional discussing the cause. He stated that his father and sister are her biggest warriors and try to do everything they can do for their mom. 

The Thunder hosted Puck Cancer Night back in January, honoring those who have survived or dealt with the horrible disease as well as one of our own. Matt Brokaw, longtime Vice President of the organization, lost a 20-month battle on December 27 with esophageal cancer. It's been two months since his passing and not a day goes by that he is missed.

"Matt was one of the hardest working people I ever met," stated Thunder GM Joel T. Lomurno. "Nothing against my current staff, but no one outworked him. He was bright, intelligent and took care of so much for us. I venture to say I spent more time than anyone. We miss you, Matty B."