DENVER -

Each November, officials in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) grow their mustaches to help raise money and awareness for men’s cancer and mental health issues as a part of Movember.

In 13 years, the Movember Foundation has funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world. The mustache-growing frenzy functions to address some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention.

Since 2013, the NCHC officials have participated in the Movember campaign and witnessed the results of their efforts grow from the equivalent of facial stubble to a full-grown Fu Manchu. The money has grown from $700 raised in the first year to more than $10,000 raised last year. The awareness, while difficult to quantify, has manifested itself in the overwhelming majority of officials participating in the campaign.

“The support of the hockey community around this and the officials’ participation has contributed to the growth,” NCHC official Timm Walsh said. “If we can grow a mustache, we do. We have 100 percent participation in some form or another.”

In addition to accepting donations through their official Movember page, the NCHC officials raised money last season through their first-ever Movember silent auction on the concourse of Magness Arena. The officials will return to Magness Arena on Saturday, Nov. 11 and will set up an additional booth at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in North Dakota on Nov. 25. Items in the auction include game-worn sweaters, Frozen Faceoff ticket packs and more.

NCHC official Joe Sullivan also plays a key role in the success of the Movember initiative, using his position as the Director at Highland Tennis and Golf Club in St. Louis, Missouri to host an annual NCHC Movember Charity Golf Tournament in late October.

With steady growth, both on their face and through the foundation, the NCHC officials have their eyes on expansion.

“We’re always exploring new opportunities,” Walsh said. “We’d like to take this into every arena supported by each of the NCHC teams.”

Fans have the opportunity to contribute to the NCHC officials Movember campaign by making a donation to the official Movember page or participating in the silent auction on Saturday, Nov. 11 on the concourse of Magness Arena.