LivFree 24 Hockey Marathon &#8211; Michigan State University Edition

By: Caitlin Hodgson

Munn Ice Arena, home to the Michigan State Spartans hockey teams, held a 24-hour hockey marathon from April 18th-19th, 2026. This event is put on by LivFree, a pediatric cancer nonprofit that serves families nationwide, with the aim to raise awareness and fund their expansion to support Michigan families at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

LivFree has already served multiple families across the state, and several of the families were in attendance at the Opening Showcase to help kick off the game.

Michigan State University was the second of a 7-stop series, following Sacred Heart University and joining the likes of Arizona State University, Miami University, University of St.Thomas, Warrior Ice Arena, and Harvard University. 100 adult hockey players, local families, and hockey community members attended to support this cause, including the Michigan State Spartans women’s ice hockey players and Michigan State Club Hockey athletes.

With a start time of 2 pm on April 18th and ending 2 pm on April 19th, each skater had a total ice time of about 7 hours; roughly the same amount of time as if they were to skate every single game of a Stanley Cup round (give or take).

The day opened with a showcase that featured celebrities such as Olly and Jacob of On the Bench, and goalie Gabi Gibson.

Throughout the hours, groups of teams shifted on and off, playing anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes at a time. The majority of them, especially goalies, stayed the entire 24 hours in the arena, only sneaking 30-minute naps here and there.

The Michigan marathon raised over $83,000 and supported 35 families in Michigan directly. The highest fundraisers leading up to the event were presented golden gloves by some of the LivFree family members ahead of the skills competition. Pediatric cancer advocates were also in attendance and support, one being Eliy Simmer. Eliy is a pediatric cancer survivor herself and founded the non-profit Eliy’s Sunflowers to support teens in hospitals.

About LivFree – LivFree is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing moments of hope and joy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Through special experiences, events, and support programs, LivFree helps families reclaim joyful moments during one of the most challenging times of their lives. LivFree was founded in 2016 and serves families nationwide. The organization’s LivSports initiative brings athletes and sports communities together to create impact through events that raise awareness, funding, and encouragement for pediatric cancer families.