Pink the Rink Event

The Panorama Recreation Centre donned a pink hue as Peninsula Panthers and fans alike showed up in varying shades of pink for the franchise’s first Pink in the Rink Event.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Peninsula Panthers dedicated their October 18th game night against the Oceanside Generals to raising funds, awareness, and support for breast cancer and all those who have or continue to battle against a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Pink in the Rink came from our players directly,” said Madelyn Murphy-Homer, minority owner of the Peninsula Panthers. “They approached their coaches expressing their desire to show support for breast cancer survivors and warriors by wearing pink laces and tape for all October games. I was really touched by how these young men wanted to show up for their community, so we all put our heads together and thought why not have a game night dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness month?”

Pink in the Rink included a silent auction of a Peninsula Panthers jersey (with all the proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society), a ticket giveaway to the fan in the most pink, a pink Panther on the arena video screen, flowers for breast cancer survivors and warriors to take as desired at the front desk, and Murphy-Homer’s favorite part:

“Before the game, we did a salute to everyone who has faced breast cancer or currently is. Fans got up and cheered and the players made noise too. It was great to see our community come together in the arena united in our love for hockey and in our support for this great cause.”

“Giving back to our community is integral to our mission,” said Rich Murphy, majority owner of the Panthers. “We hope that last week’s Pink the Rink is the first of many.”

The Peninsula Panthers took to the ice in pink and secured a victory over the Oceanside Generals with a score of 4-1. Goals scored by the Panthers came from Jacob Caron and Lukas Preweda, with his second hat trick of the season. Following Friday’s game and Sunday’s win against the Lake Cowichan Kraken (4-1) the Peninsula Panthers sit second in the league, tied with the Westshore Wolves and only one point behind the Campbell River Storm. The 3 stars of the game were Hunter Farrer from Oceanside Generals, and Jacob Caron and Lukas Preweda from the Peninsula Panthers.

“In all,” said Tyler Stanton, Head Coach and GM for the Peninsula Panthers, “it was a great night of hockey, for an even greater cause.”

The next Peninsula Panthers home game is Friday, October 25th. Puck drops at 7:30pm. Learn more at www.panthers-hockey.com.