The John Gegen Cup awarded by Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer, honors the association that raises the most funds from October through the end of the Minnesota High School Hockey Season for their chosen cause each year.

About John Gegen

At the age of five, John Gegen was diagnosed with Stage IV High-Risk Neuroblastoma. He endured 18 months of a very difficult treatment regimen, followed by a 2-year clinical trial. John spent many weeks in the hospital during that time. Anyone who walked into his hospital room quickly learned of his love of hockey! The walls and shelves were adorned with hockey posters, hockey jerseys, mini hockey sticks, and a hockey game was almost always on the television. John’s favorite sport was just the diversion he needed.

The cup was named after John by the inaugural winner, the Hastings Hockey Association, when John was a 13-year-old hockey-loving, hockey-playing cancer survivor.

In 2023, at the age of 16, John was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer entirely unrelated to his earlier neuroblastoma or its treatment. He faced this new challenge with the same strength, determination, and hope that had defined him since childhood. Throughout this time, the support of the hockey community meant the world to John, lifting his spirits and reminding him that he was never alone in the fight. Surrounded by his family, John passed away in August of 2025, leaving behind a legacy of courage, love, and the game he cherished.

John Gegen Cup Winners

2024-2025

Centennial Youth Hockey Association

2023-2024

Chaska Chanhassen Hockey Association

2022-2023

Rogers Youth Hockey Association

2021-2022

Rosemount Area Hockey Association

2020-2021