STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The new year is here and as far as high school hockey is concerned, it means the annual Michael Manna Memorial Pancreatic Cancer Charity Hockey Game.
The sixth annual game, which pits St. Peter’s against St. Joseph by-the-Sea, will take place Jan. 12 at Staten Island Skating Pavilion beginning at 7 p.m. The Pavilion is located at 3080 Arthur Kill Road.
Once again, all proceeds collected from raffles, a 50-50 and donations will benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Research Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine in NYC. The grand prize raffle includes a 55″ Smart TV and Onn LED Soundbar.
In addition, there’ll be a special raffle this year — tickets to the New York Islanders-New York Rangers game at UBS Arena on Jan. 28, 2026. The seats are in Section 121 and include a parking pass.
All raffles are three for $10.
Dr. Despina Siolas — Weill Cornell Medicine’s lead research physician — will once again be a special guest for the event. Long-time St. Peter’s varsity hockey coach Ed Blackburn survived a bout with pancreatic cancer himself and credits Dr. Siolas for saving his life.
The guest of honor for this year’s event will be Casey Di Paolo, a Staten Island resident and advocate for pancreatic cancer research.
Mobile lung screening provided by a Health Screening Van by Weill Cornell Medicine will be available by appointment only (GetCheckedNY.org or 646-962-5864).
If you can’t make the game, but want to make a donation, please make checks payable to “The Blackburn Family Cancer Foundation” and mail to 40 Maine Ave., Staten Island, N.Y., 10314.
For additional information, please contact Blackburn at EDWARDRBLACKBURN@gmail.com or call 917-750-8946.