RMSC’s Jack Tovornik Honored by the Capitals

By Kimberly Rooney and Reach for the Wall Staff;
Pictures by Kimberly Rooney

ARLINGTON, VA – The Washington Capitals hosted their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night presented by Leidos on Thursday, Nov. 21. Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint initiative of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), aims to: fundraise for cancer research; create meaningful touchpoints all year long with our communities through tentpole events and storytelling; and educate and empower more fans to learn about cancer risk factors, as well as take action to get screened for certain cancers as appropriate.

Six children who are currently battling cancer or who are in remission were announced as members of the team’s starting lineup during the Capitals Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The children are affiliated with local nonprofits dedicated to health and wellness including Horizon Day Camp, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. Participants include:

• Hudson Bacon, age 8, was diagnosed with lymphoma last year. He is currently in remission.
• Sutton Bullard, age 6, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is currently in treatment.
• Cameron Corno, age 6, was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2020 at 19 months old and is currently in treatment.
• Tate Jefferson, age 5, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2023 and is currently in treatment.
• Jack Tovornik, age 15, was diagnosed with t-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2023 and is currently in treatment.
• Eliza Pierce, age 5, was diagnosed with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was three years old and is currently in treatment.

Last year, The Capitals Hockey Fights Cancer campaign raised $104,625 for the team’s beneficiaries. Proceeds were split between Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. To date, the Hockey Fights Cancer programs of the National Hockey League Foundation (in the US) and the NHL Foundation (in Canada), along with NHL supporters and fans, have donated more than $16 million to support the cancer programs of national and local cancer research institutions, children’s hospitals, player charities and local charities.

Here’s the video from the Capitals, announcing the honorees in the starting lineup:

Jack and his RMSC teammates:

Jack is currently a sophomore at Gonzaga College High School and has participated in dual meets that started November12th, as well as swimming club meets with RMSC.