Pink in the Rink

Lacing up their skates and running their drills is second nature to the young athletes from the Lambeth Lancers Minor Hockey League. It's something they do hundreds of times a year to develop their hockey skills and compete.

But once a year, their practices and games mean something more, and become bigger than the everyday as the teams take part in the annual Pink in the Rink event to raise funds for breast cancer.

Since 2014, the Lambeth Lancers Minor Hockey League has annually spent months planning and organizing the special event in support of St. Joseph’s breast cancer research and clinical care. To date, they have raised nearly $60,000.

“We love that we are able to give the money directly to St. Joseph’s,” says Shannon Conliffe, Vice President of Hockey Operations for the League. “We’ve supported [former Medical Director] Dr. Muriel Brackstone’s research, and this year had the opportunity to support new imaging equipment.”

And thanks to an anonymous donation, their $7,000 donation this year will be matched – doubling the difference they are making.

The Lancers are an institution in Lambeth, with more than 30 teams and nearly 400 boys and girls beginning as young as four years old taking part. Their goal is to foster and encourage good sportsmanship in a positive atmosphere that promotes skill development.

The idea for Pink in the Rink was first inspired by women in their own community who were diagnosed with breast cancer. And believing that it is important to teach the next generation of young people how important it is to be part of something bigger than themselves, they decided to create the annual event.

“It’s important for kids to participate in the event,” says Shannon. “It instills a sense of community, about the importance of giving back and helping others, and to collaborate and work together for a cause.”

This sentiment is really brought home to the players during the ceremonial puck drop that recognizes breast cancer survivors.

Taking place in February – to tie into Valentine’s Day – the annual event is also a lot of fun for the players, with raffles, bake and book sales, and a whole lot of pink and love.

Dressed in their pink jerseys and helmets, and cheered on by a supportive community, the teams feel proud to participate in the event and give back.

“A little bit of effort and organization can go a long way,” says Shannon. “We are already thinking about next year’s tournament and hoping to ramp things up further this coming season and double our donation.”