RUTLAND, Vt. – On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Vermont State University Castleton Women's Ice Hockey team will host the 17^th Annual Pink the Rink game against the University of Southern Maine at 3 pm at the Spartan Arena in Rutland.
 
Over the past seventeen years, the Castleton women's hockey team has contributed more than $110,000 to 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 for the Spartans and helping to raise funds to support the fight against breast cancer.
 
"The Pink the Rink game is an important event for the Castleton Women's Ice Hockey Team and our local region," said Head Coach Tim McAulliffe. "We are proud to continue to help raise awareness and support in the fight against breast cancer."

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 on-line to raise awareness and funds in support of the Foley Cancer Center. To bid on the auction, go to https://www.32auctions.com/ptr2026

In addition, there will be a varied basket auction with baskets donated by players' parents from locations around the world.  Additionally, the event includes a bake sale, and complimentary custom pink t-shirts, courtesy of Foley Services, Inc., which will be given away to the first 200 fans. The cost of admission to the game on January 24^th is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. 

"The Castleton Blue Line Club is proud to support the VTSU Castleton Women's Hockey team in their efforts to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer. It is wonderful to see the tremendous support from the community for this amazing event", said Elaine Kreisler, Interim President of the Castleton Blue Line Club. 


While Pink the Rink is about raising funds and awareness, it is also a time for celebration of breast cancer survivors, a time to celebrate progress to find a cure and it signifies the power of many individuals and separate communities coming together to support a common cause.

 "Pink the Rink is a very special event in our community," said Fred Bagley, retired RRMC surgeon and founder of the Breast Care Program at the hospital. "The energy and enthusiasm are high with the stands awash in pink, fans and breast cancer survivors in attendance, and exciting hockey on the ice."

So please join in this incredible effort and help to cheer on the VTSU Castleton Women's Ice Hockey team on Saturday, January 24^th at 3pm.

For more information about the upcoming Pink the Rink game, visit www.rrmc.org or call
802.747.3634. 

About the Foley Cancer Center
Foley Cancer Center has been continuously accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1984. Cancer centers receive accreditation after committing to providing the best in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and to fully comply with CoC standards. Rutland Regional Medical Center is a member of the Association of Community Cancer Centers, which promotes full continuity of cancer treatment within communities.