A Tie on the Ice, a Win for the Community

Belleville Bulls’ Pink In The Rink Raises $4,232 for Local Cancer Care.

The U13AA Belleville Bulls closed out the Fourth Annual Pink In The Rink with a fitting result on and off the ice — a 2–2 tie against the Quinte West Golden Hawks, and a record-setting fundraising total for local cancer care.

Held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at CAA Arena, the initiative raised $4,232 for the Belleville General Hospital Foundation oncology fund. With this year’s success, Pink In The Rink has now raised $16,621 over four years, demonstrating the growing impact of the event and the strength of community commitment behind it.

Pink In The Rink was launched in 2023 by co-organizers Amy Harder and Matt Longo, assistant coach of the U13AA Belleville Bulls, to honour loved ones affected by cancer while teaching young athletes the importance of giving back through sport. Each year, the initiative continues to grow in both reach and meaning.

“This year was incredibly meaningful,” said Harder. “From the players to the families to everyone in the stands, you could feel that this was about more than hockey. A tied game felt exactly right — because everyone won.”

A defining moment of the day was the ceremonial puck drop, a Pink In The Rink tradition honouring individuals currently battling cancer or who are cancer survivors. Featured participants for the 2026 event included Kim O’Hoski, a passionate local hockey mom, and Jeanna Oke, an award-winning hockey developer and championship AAA coach. Their presence underscored the personal stories and resilience that continue to inspire the initiative.

The game featured strong performances from both teams, with the Three Stars of the Game awarded to Kye Ralph (#13) and Austen Sloggett (#57), both forwards with the U13AA Belleville Bulls, and Bennett Langlois (#88), a forward with the Quinte West Golden Hawks.

Pink In The Rink 2026 was made possible through the leadership and financial commitment of the Harder Family, whose deeply personal cancer journey inspired the initiative. Additional contributions from Ignite Your Wellness, Bel-Con Design-Builders Ltd., Momentous Athletics, and the O’Hoski Family helped bring this year’s Pink In The Rink to life.

The initiative was further strengthened by in-kind contributions from community partners. The Bennett Family donated a handcrafted Adirondack-style chair made from broken hockey sticks, a highlight of the event raffle. CT Photography captured game-day moments, GoTeamWork.com provided Pink In The Rink apparel, and Belle Balloons added vibrant pink décor throughout CAA Arena. JLove Productions created the “Who Are You Playing For?” video, Anita Halfpenny performed O Canada, and additional in-kind gifts and talent from the Cassidy family, Salon You, Body Systems Nutrition, and HockeyStickMan helped enhance the raffle and make players and honourees feel extra special.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Belleville Senators, Ottawa Senators, and the City of Belleville for helping deliver a truly pro-level experience at CAA Arena,” said Longo. “Just as important are the players, coaches, and families who show up year after year — volunteering their time, energy, and hearts to make this possible. We’re also thankful to the Belleville Minor Hockey Association Board of Directors for standing behind our teams and families in such a meaningful way.”

With four successful years now complete, Pink In The Rink continues to demonstrate how youth sport can serve as a powerful platform for community connection and local impact. Organizers confirm plans are already underway for the 2027 event.

“Events like Pink In The Rink show what’s possible when community, sport, and compassion come together,” said Alec Bauer, Interim Executive Director of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation. “The funds raised through this initiative directly support local oncology care at Belleville General Hospital, helping ensure patients and families can access care closer to home. We’re deeply grateful to the organizers, sponsors, players, and families who continue to turn personal stories into meaningful impact for our community.”

Pictured:  U13AA Belleville Bulls and U13AA Quinte West Golden Hawks (photo credit CT Photography)