The Edmonton Oilers’ annual Hockey Fights Cancer night has always been a poignant moment in the team’s calendar, but this year, it carries a weight that’s both deeply personal and heartbreakingly close to home. The passing of beloved Global Edmonton sports reporter John Sexsmith after a 13-year battle with prostate cancer, coupled with the recent leukemia diagnosis of the Oilers’ cherished anthem singer Robert Clark, has brought the reality of cancer into sharp focus for the organization, its fans, and the broader Edmonton hockey community.
John Sexsmith was more than just a familiar face on television; he was, by all accounts, a cornerstone of Edmonton’s sporting culture. For 26 years, he covered the Oilers and the city’s broader sports scene with a warmth and authenticity that made even non-sports fans care about what was happening on the ice. As Fletcher Kent, managing editor at Global Edmonton, put it, “Nobody was able to do it like Johnny did. There aren’t many out there that could make non-sports fans care about sports. John could.” According to The Hockey News, Sexsmith’s connection to hockey ran deeper than his reporting—his son Joel currently plays for the University of Alberta Golden Bears, and John himself was a high-performance coach with Hockey Alberta, even coaching other coaches. His involvement with organizations like Sport Central and the Alberta Cancer Foundation reflected a commitment to giving back, both to his sport and to the fight against cancer.
Sexsmith’s cancer journey began in 2012 with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. For years, he kept his battle private, quietly enduring treatments and, at times, taking extended medical leave—most notably from March 2016 to March 2018. When he returned to work in the spring of 2018, he did so with a renewed sense of purpose, choosing to live with the disease rather than letting it define him. Eventually, he went public with his story, using his platform to raise awareness about men’s health, participating in Movember, and raising funds for medical research. The impact of his advocacy, both in the newsroom and the community, is likely to be felt for years to come. His passing last week at age 63 has left a void that won’t be easily filled.
Just as the community was beginning to process the loss of Sexsmith, news broke that Robert Clark, the Oilers’ official anthem singer since 2010, is facing his own cancer battle. On October 19, 2025, Clark announced in a heartfelt video posted online that he has been diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia, a rare and slow-growing blood cancer that affects white blood cells. While the disease is treatable, it brings with it a host of challenges—both physical and emotional.
Clark shared that his journey began with joint pain in August 2025, which led to a series of medical tests, including a bone marrow biopsy. The diagnosis, he explained, has resulted in a swollen spleen, frequent fatigue, and a significantly weakened immune system. “Nobody wants to be told they have cancer,” Clark said in his announcement, according to The Canadian Press. “Not fun, but I’m very optimistic.” He noted that while the name of the disease might sound daunting, it’s “treatable and sounding worse than it is.”
Clark, a professional opera singer, has become a fan favorite in Edmonton for his powerful renditions of “O Canada” and the U.S. anthem—often delivered from the stands, surrounded by fans, rather than from the ice. This tradition began during the Oilers’ 2017 playoff run against the Anaheim Ducks and has continued through the team’s recent back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup final. His presence has become synonymous with the electric atmosphere at Rogers Place before the puck drops, uniting thousands in a shared moment of anticipation and pride.
Despite his diagnosis, Clark remains determined to maintain his role with the team. He’s hopeful that he won’t miss too many games, though he acknowledged that treatment—scheduled to start in November 2025—will likely coincide with a long Oilers road trip, making his absence inevitable for at least a few matches. “The first week is going to suck, and then it just gets better and better,” Clark shared candidly about his treatment plan. In the meantime, he’s limiting his outings to reduce the risk of infection, given his compromised immune system.
The response from the Oilers organization and the broader fan base has been swift and heartfelt. Messages of support have flooded in, with the team itself writing, “You got this, Robert!” across its official channels. For many, Clark’s openness about his diagnosis and his optimism in the face of adversity echo the same spirit that defined Sexsmith’s battle with cancer—one of resilience, transparency, and community support.
Hockey Fights Cancer night at Rogers Place this season will feel different. The purple jerseys, the special tape, and the awareness messaging will be more than league-mandated gestures; they will serve as living tributes to Sexsmith’s legacy and as beacons of hope and solidarity for Clark’s ongoing fight. The press box, where Sexsmith spent so many years chronicling the highs and lows of Edmonton’s sporting life, will feel emptier. The anthem, perhaps sung by a guest or played as a recording, will be a stark reminder of Clark’s absence and the battle he’s waging behind the scenes.
Yet, if there’s one thing the Edmonton hockey community has always done well, it’s rallying around its own. Sexsmith’s years of volunteering—especially his work with Sport Central, which provides equipment and opportunities for less fortunate athletes—set a standard for what it means to give back. Even as he fought his own illness, he joined the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s philanthropy team, channeling his energy into helping others facing similar battles. Clark, too, has used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and authenticity, forging connections with fans that transcend the rink.
Both men’s stories underscore a truth that’s often easy to forget until cancer strikes close to home: the disease doesn’t discriminate. It affects reporters and singers, players and coaches, fans and families. Hockey Fights Cancer is more than just a slogan—it’s a rallying cry for a cause that touches every corner of the community. Every dollar raised, every story shared, and every moment of solidarity brings the hockey world one step closer to a future where such losses are a thing of the past.
As the Oilers and their fans prepare for this year’s Hockey Fights Cancer night, the stakes feel higher, the emotions rawer, and the purpose clearer. It’s about honoring those they’ve lost, supporting those still fighting, and reminding everyone that in the battle against cancer, no one stands alone.