Courtesy castleton.edu
The Vermont State University’s Castleton Women’s Ice Hockey team stands at the ready for a recent Pink the Rink game.
Saturday, Jan. 20, at 3 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Vermont State University’s Castleton Women’s Ice Hockey team will host the 15th annual Pink the Rink game against Plymouth State University at 3 p.m. at the Spartan Arena in Rutland.
Over the past 15 years, the team has contributed close to $91,000 to the Breast Care program at the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center. The enthusiasm for the event has grown considerably, with huge crowds of fans showing their support and helping to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer.
“Pink the Rink is a fantastic event,” said Dr. Bagley, retired Rutland Regional surgeon and founder of the Breast Care Program at the hospital. “The energy and enthusiasm is high with the stands awash in pink, smiling breast cancer survivors in attendance, and exciting hockey on the ice.”
As in previous years, Castleton will trade their traditional Spartan green apparel for newly designed, limited edition pink jerseys. The jerseys will be auctioned off online to raise awareness and funds in support of the Foley Cancer Center. To bid on the auction, go to 32auctions.com/ptr2024.
In addition, there will be a varied basket raffle and bake sale at the event, and 200 complimentary custom pink towels courtesy of Foley Services, Inc. will be given away once again this year. Admission to the game is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for students.
One of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer is family history, and this year’s ceremonial puck drop will honor three sisters, Cathy Kozlik, Jill Burke, and Joan Olson, all of whom are breast cancer survivors and all of whom received their treatment at Rutland Regional. Although years apart in their diagnoses and treatment, each can attest to the benefit of early detection and treatment as well as to the importance of advances being made in breast cancer research. Cathy and Jill will represent the three cancer survivor sisters with the puck drop before the game.
“While Pink the Rink is about raising funds and awareness, it is also a time for celebration of breast cancer survivors and a time to celebrate progress to finding a cure,” said Traci Moore, senior director of Development & Community Relations at Rutland Regional Medical Center. “We are very grateful to Coach Tim McAuliffe, the women’s hockey team, parents, and volunteers for all the work they put into making this event so special and so successful.”
For more information, visit: rrmc.org or call 802-747-3634.
