Hockey Shtick

The event: FanFair 2001, an afternoon of fun, photos, autographs and ice skating with Mighty Duck players. More than 1,500 people, including children, teens and their parents, flocked to the Arrowhead Pond for Sunday’s benefit, which raised money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.

Chilly air, warm hearts: Excited hockey fans lined up to meet their favorite players, who cheerfully autographed everything from jerseys to skates and hockey sticks.

There were sounds of “mystery” balloons being popped--lucky winners took home Mighty Duck merchandise--and cameras snapping as players posed with fans.

Those who paid $10 in addition to the $25 admission fee took to the ice, joining a sea of players in purple and jade jerseys as they skated with fans during six sold-out half-hour sessions.

“FanFair is really a family event,” team spokeswoman Renee Zidan said. “It gives kids a chance for one-on-one interaction with the players. All the guys love to work with children’s charities, and PCRF is one that is very dear to their hearts.”

Funds hit home: Since 1982, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has raised more than $10 million to improve the care, quality of life and survival rate of children with malignant diseases. Because of research partly funded by PCRF, 6-year-old Eric Hernandez is now in remission from leukemia.

“I really believe that the people who raised money for research 10 years ago are why Eric is here with us today,” said his mother, Sandy, as her son ventured onto the ice for his first skating experience.

What was the best part for him?

“Seeing the hockey players,” said Eric, who was one of five cancer survivors--including Lauren Yao, 10, John Mash Jr., 11, Danielle Moran, 21, and William Hinton, 11--sponsored by PCRF to join other children and Mighty Ducks for the noon session.

Quote: “We really feel lucky to be able to do this,” said hockey player Teemu Selanne. “I’ve always said that getting together with the fans is the easiest part of being a hockey player. It’s great to see the kids’ faces so happy when they get an autograph,” he said.

What’s next: The ninth annual PCRF Memorial Lectureship on Jan. 29 at the Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach. Guest speaker: Joanne Kurtzberg, chief of pediatric bone marrow transplantation and professor of pediatrics at Duke University. Information: (949) 727-7483, https://www.pcrf-kids.com.