Belleville Minor Hockey Scores Big for Cancer Care

The Pink in the Rink Annual Hockey Fundraiser benefits Oncology services at Quinte Health, Belleville General Hospital.

Pictured:  U11AA Belleville Bulls, Kendall Kolga and Zach Hanna;  Proud grandfather of Zach Hanna, Rick Hanna who has stage four colon cancer that he has been battling since June 2023; Jill Bain, President, Belleville Minor Hockey Association; Asher Ryker; U11AA Belleville Bull Ryker Bennett; Proud grandfather of Ryker and Asher Bennett, Gary Tweedy who is a cancer survivor in remission after a battle with prostate cancer. (photo credit CT Photography)

On January 13 over 125 youth hockey players from eastern Ontario, along with their families and friends, gathered at the CAA arena in Belleville to play great hockey while supporting cancer care in our community.

In 2023, spearheaded by Amy Harder and Matt Longo, the U10AA Rosebush Energies Belleville Bulls hosted their inaugural Pink In The Rink hockey game, raising $3,469 for the Belleville General Hospital Foundation oncology fund. Said Amy, “This year, our Belleville Minor Hockey Association family said – let’s do more, together.”  With four games, eight teams and a great deal of community cooperation, a donation of $4,715 was made for oncology care at Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital.

Participating teams included the U11AA Belleville Bulls and Kingston Canadians; the U12A Belleville Bulls and Northumberland Nighthawks; the U13AA Belleville Bulls and Northumberland Nighthawks; and the U13A Belleville Bulls and Whitby Wildcats.

A video recording was on display at the arena entrance with hockey players declaring who they were playing for with heartfelt messages. To further the impact of their important fundraising efforts, each game hosted a ceremonial puck drop with representatives of those battling cancer and cancer survivors themselves.  The stories of Rick Hanna, Gary Tweedy, Elizabeth Brennan, Sandra Corsaut and Austin Gaber inspired not only donations but gritty, spirited play from the young athletes too.

Matt expressed great gratitude to all involved, including the volunteer parents, team managers and coaches who supported the big event. He went on to say, “We want to make special mention and say thanks to Eric Toussaint of CT Photography for his support of the day. Scotty Lalonde and Deja Vu Entertainment were also tremendously helpful as well as Gerrilynne Hoskin and Belle Balloons. The community rallied to make it a special experience for our players and their families, all the while supporting cancer care!” Event organizers have goals for growing Pink in the Rink again next year.

Additional event photos courtesy of CT Photography