By: Shawn Mars
For most 11-year-olds, hockey is about having fun, making friends, and competing. But for Hunter, a goaltender who previously played for the Junior Crusaders in Massachusetts, every save he makes carries a deeper meaning. With cancer touching nearly every corner of his young life, he has turned his time on the ice into a way to honor his loved ones and raise money for cancer research. While Hunter’s time with the Jr. Crusaders was a critical chapter, he has since joined the 95 Giants out of Attleboro, MA, continuing his ice hockey journey with a new team.
Hunter’s journey with the October Saves Goalie Challenge, a national fundraiser where goalies collect pledges for every save made during October, began after tragedy struck close to home. His hockey buddy, Seppe Struppa, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and passed away last year. Around the same time, Hunter’s mother, Susan Simpson, was fighting breast cancer, while his stepmother, Dr. Lindsay Oliver, received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer. At just 11 years old, Hunter was navigating more heartache than most adults ever face. Instead of retreating, he found a way to channel his grief into purpose.
“I saw how much everyone was rallying to help Seppe and his family,” Hunter said. “I wanted to do something as well, something bigger than myself and the game of hockey.” For him, each glove save and pad stop is more than just a defensive play; it’s a chance to fuel hope in the fight against cancer.
Hunter describes his mother, Susan, who worked as a teacher’s aide before her illness, as his bowling and card-game partner. With Lindsay, his stepmom and “true hockey mom,” his favorite moments include watching sports, playing geography trivia, and board games. Both women inspire him every day to keep fighting in their honor. “They are very proud of me for participating in this initiative,” Hunter said. “It’s hard to see my family members suffering from cancer every day, so I am especially motivated to raise money for cancer research and treatment.”
His father, Evan, said he could not be prouder. “He has been through so much over the past year as an 11-year-old boy,” he said. “He is incredibly mature for his age, partly because of all he’s had to process. We are honored his story is being told.”
For Hunter, October Saves has been more than fundraising; it has been healing. “Participating helped boost my confidence on the ice and motivated me to give it my best every game, knowing that each save I made was helping make a difference in cancer research,” he explained. “It also distracted me from thinking about all the cancer in my life.” Reading through the names of donors, he added, has made him feel closer to his family and hockey community, a reminder that he is not alone in this fight.
Several goalies in his organization have joined his fundraising team, standing alongside him in solidarity. The October Saves community has also given him comfort, knowing others share similar experiences. Through their encouragement, Hunter has grown more determined to raise money this year, carrying forward the memory of his friend Seppe and the strength of his mom and stepmom.
Cancer has stolen much from Hunter’s childhood, but it has also given him a sense of purpose beyond his years. Each save he makes this season is not just a point on the scoreboard; it is a step toward hope. “I can’t wait to do my part to raise more money this year for this cause that has become so important to me,” he said. For Hunter, hockey isn’t just a game anymore. It’s a way to fight back, one save at a time.
