Pucks for Platelets
Congratulations!
UPDATE: Qualifying platelet donors who donated 4 or more times this past Fall, we sent you an email and text with RSVP form Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Please check your inbox and cell phone, and be sure to RSVP if you can make it to the January 30 VIP Cyclones Pucks for Platelets event before January 16.
Our insider event with the Cincinnati Cyclones to honor high-frequency platelet donors!
Pucks for Platelets is one of Hoxworth Blood Center's favorite ways to celebrate the incredible commitment of our platelet donors.
During the fall, donate times from October through December, and you will get an invitation to an exclusive Cincinnati Cyclones VIP experience designed to thank you for your ongoing commitment to saving lives. And as a BONUS, if you donate 5 or more times during the season, you'll unlock an additional bonus level with in-event experiences like dropping the first puck, pre-game fan tunnel, and more.
Our most recent Pucks for Platelets season has wrapped, but the excitement isn’t over — the next opportunity to participate is planned for Fall 2026. Keep donating and stay tuned for details on how you can qualify for the next round of this fan-favorite donor celebration.
Pucks for Platelets 2025 Qualifying Donors
If you are attending the January 30, 2026 VIP Cyclones Pucks for Platelets event here's what you and your guest will experience at this fun hockey night, including:
DONATE 4 TIMES: The Hoxworth Hat Trick!
- 2 tickets for you and a guest to the Friday, January 30 Cyclones game vs Fort Wayne Komets
- A post-game photo on the ice
- A Hoxworth P4P2025 lanyard collectible pin gift
- FREE parking provided by SP+ Parking and Hamilton County
- A Hoxworth digital badge in your donor portal
DONATE 5 TIMES: Unlock BONUS Perks - Icing on the Cake!
- Pre-Game Fan Tunnel & backstage Rally Alley
- A chance to participate in half-time games on the ice
- A chance to be the lucky donor who gets to drop the first puck (every donation counts as another drawing opportunity)!
- And MORE!
We’re excited to bring our community hero platelet donors together for a fun night & show them just how much we appreciate their dedication to saving lives.
Jen Milthaler, Division Director of Marketing & Communications
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Donate Platelets Today!
Every year, platelets collected at Hoxworth go to patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and 30+ local hospitals, where cancer patients depend on frequent transfusions for their treatment. Platelet donations are also vital for trauma victims, transplant patients, and others undergoing complex medical procedures.
This event comes at a crucial time as platelet donations tend to drop during the fall and winter months. With Pucks for Platelets, Hoxworth hopes to not only thank current donors but also inspire new donors to give.
Hoxworth is the only blood center serving the Tri-State area, and they need over 450 blood and platelet donors daily to maintain a stable blood supply for local hospitals.
Here's what donors are saying about last year's experience!
"Pucks for Platelets was an amazing opportunity to witness how many wonderful platelet donors there are in the area. I'm grateful to be able to have this experience with others that share my passion for supporting Hoxworth's mission, and to be able to bring my family along made it even more special." - Ryan Gorman
"My husband and I really enjoyed the Pucks for Platelets event last year. I hope we can join you again this year! The thing I enjoyed the most was the company of so many people who I KNEW were also regular platelets donors! I was blown away to just look at us! I know platelets are critical and often in short supply. My heart swelled knowing these were people giving back to those in our community who desperately needed our help. It was uplifting!" - Kim Jones
"Going to the game and seeing everybody’s Hoxworth gear was really fun. Going out on the ice after the game to take a picture was just awesome." - Michael Gerke
"I had a blast last year at the Pucks for Platelets hockey game. It was my first time going to a hockey game. Being in the underground tunnel to cheer the Cyclones team members on was so cool! I can't wait to hopefully go again this season!" - Megan Middleton
Additional Platelet Donor Events
- Winter Event! Performance for Platelets - A once-in-a-lifetime musical experience with the University of Cincinnati’s world-renowned College-Conservatory of Music Jazz Orchestra just for Hoxworth platelet donors and their special guest.
- Spring Event! Pitching for Platelets - This exclusive opportunity is reserved for loyal Hoxworth platelet donors and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine on the Major League stage at Great American Ball Park.
- Summer Event! Passing for Platelets - details coming soon on this upcoming event!