The Good Fight: Norwich Hockey Teams Up with AirPeyton

Norwich University’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer game continues a powerful tradition of athletics, community, and advocacy on Saturday, Jan. 17. The women’s hockey team will take to the ice in Kreitzberg Arena at 1:00 p.m. against Keene State College, and the men at 4:00 p.m. against Western Connecticut State.

This year’s Hockey Fights Cancer game not only raises awareness in the local community, but will provide a spotlight for a local nonprofit, AirPeyton, whose mission is to support pediatric cancer patients and their families. To highlight both the organization’s work and patients’ journeys alike, Col Matt Smith, USAF (Ret.), the father of Peyton Smith who is the namesake of AirPeyton, and head women’s volleyball coach, Karin Parkhurst ’96, who is fighting her own battle against cancer, will be honored with pregame puck drops.

“These special games are incredibly meaningful to our program and our players, as cancer has unfortunately touched all our lives,” says Head Coach Justin Simpson of the women’s hockey program. “Through the Hockey Fights Cancer and Faceoff Against Cancer initiatives, we want to show our support and help raise awareness within our community.”

AirPeyton began in 2020 as a vehicle to honor the life of Peyton Smith and channel remembrance into actions that benefit those affected by pediatric cancer. Though it began as a family’s response to profound loss, AirPeyton has grown into a community-based movement, earning 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2025. From the beginning, the organization has received strong and consistent support from the Norwich men’s hockey program, a partnership that continues through events like Hockey Fights Cancer.

“Norwich hockey is a big part of the Central Vermont community, and any time we can help make a positive impact, I think it’s important,” says Head Coach Dominick Dawes ’04 of the men’s team. “Col Smith has built a special bond with our program over the past few years and doing our part to support AirPeyton is important to the group.” 

The organization has raised more than $125,000 to support pediatric cancer research, clinical trials, and direct assistance for families in need. Its initiatives include co-sponsoring an annual 5K at the local Montpelier High School, where the baseball field has been named in Peyton’s memory. Proceeds from these efforts have benefited organizations such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Make-A-Wish Vermont, and additional pediatric cancer programs.

AirPeyton’s mission is rooted in gratitude for the people and institutions that supported Peyton during his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. While its work began in Vermont, the organization now supports children and families across the country and the world, guided by the belief that every child like Peyton deserves the opportunity to survive and thrive.

A 2020 graduate of Montpelier High School, Peyton Smith was an Eagle Scout, a student at Saint Michael’s College, an athlete, a music enthusiast, and a passionate member of the sneaker culture community. He was widely known for his kindness, creativity, and ability to connect with people wherever he went.

Games like these not only carry Peyton’s spirit forward but offers visibility to a large group of enthusiastic and supportive Norwich fans. “Cancer is something that has impacted all of us in some way, so the atmosphere will be great,” says Coach Dawes. “I think it gives special meaning when you are playing for something or someone.”

Through its enduring partnerships with Norwich University and events like the Hockey Fights Cancer game, AirPeyton continues to carry Peyton’s legacy forward — transforming remembrance into hope, resilience, and generosity throughout all communities and facets of life. “The atmosphere surrounding these games is one of reflection and remembrance, honoring those who have battled cancer and those who continue to fight,” says Coach Simpson, emphasizing Coach Dawes’s sentiment. “It’s important for our teams to show our support and remind others they are not alone — we stand with them.”