NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Friday, Nov. 1, 2013
Rivermen hosting 1st Annual “Pink in the Rink” game tonight
ESPANOLA – Tonight, Friday, Nov. 1, will mark a very special first-ever event held at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex in support of two worthy local causes as part of this evening’s Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League contest between the hometown Espanola Rivermen and the visiting Abitibi Eskimos.
The Rivermen will be hosting their inaugural “Pink in the Rink” game in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Proceeds from the Rivermen’s 1st annual “Pink in the Rink” game will be earmarked locally to purchase prosthetics and prosthetic bras for women who need financial support during such a challenging time.
In addition, Pink in the Rink will contribute to the Rivermen’s on-going season ticket drive in support of the Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation.
“Congratulations to the entire Espanola Rivermen organization for getting on board and making their mark in the community by throwing their full support to such worthwhile causes such as this,” stated NOJHL Commissioner Robert Mazzuca. “The community efforts that each of our member clubs continue to provide once again shows that our true Northern Ontario spirit is alive and well.”
Team Administrator, Denise Gelineau, who is spearheading the club’s “Pink in the Rink” game, is looking forward to this worthwhile event.
“The Pink in the Rink game is very dear to my heart as I am survivor and my mother passed from this disease,” offered Gelineau. “I am overwhelmed with the community’s generosity and support for this great cause.”
“We have parents and friends from all over Canada and the United States wanting to bid on game worn jerseys,” added Gelineau. We will be proud to see these great young men in Pink as their excitement for this game is electrifying.”
Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation Fund Development Coordinator, Terri Noble, is grateful for community spirit shown by the Rivermen early in their tenure in the NOJHL.
“The Rivermen Hockey Club has quickly immersed themselves into our regional communities, proving their commitment in many ways,” stated Noble.
“This remarkable team has enthusiastically dedicated their time to ‘Pink in the Rink’, supporting both Breast Cancer & their partnership with the Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation. ‘Pink in the Rink’ will certainly be a very exciting evening, both on & off the ice! We are so very fortunate to be the home of such a generous & devoted group of young men.”
The Town of Espanola is also on board voicing their support for this endeavour brought forward by the Rivermen.
“The entire evening is cause for celebration,” say Dianne Polden, Espanola Manager of Leisure Services.
“Not only will the action on the ice be exciting, off ice we celebrate the Rivermen Hockey Club, who will engage the community by dedicating their efforts to raise funds for Breast Cancer and our local Hospital & Health Centre.”
“The staff of the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex have been deeply affected by the loss of two beloved employees to cancer. The sentiment of being able to facilitate the Pink in the Rink event is a way to honor them and others in their fight.”
Among the other events planned at the game along with the Pink in the Rink Game worn Jersey Auctions will be pink cupcakes, a silent Sports Memorabilia Auction presented by ProGraphs Montreal and a tremendous NOJHL contest in support of two wonderfully worthy causes.”
Wear pink and join the Rivermen and Eskimos tonight at 7:30 p.m. for “Pink in the Rink” at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.
