This story was originally published by WCAX on February 14, 2025
CASTLETON, Vt. (WCAX) – As the Castleton women’s hockey team nears the end of its season, the players are fighting for something bigger than a faceoff, they’re raising awareness for breast cancer.
“I’m fighting for my family and raising awareness and support for them and I know they really appreciate it and it’s always their favorite game to watch each year,” said Meg Aiken, who along with Emery Bonner, captain of the Castleton Women’s Ice Hockey Team.
They say the final two home games of the 2025 season are extra special. On Friday, the team will take to the ice for the annual Pink the Rink game. It’s an event the pair say they look forward to every year and was a big selling point in their college choice.
“I thought it was really good how we’re connected to the community and we get to give back and do something for those who give us so much support throughout the year,” Aiken said.
“It’s always my favorite game. The energy before the game was always really really up. Everybody’s always excited and then that excitement just grows once we see all the fans, everyone wearing pink,” Bonner said.
The Spartans lend a hand to the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center, raising support and awareness with jersey auctions and donations.
Head coach Tim McAuliffe says it’s an opportunity to put their money where their mouth is. “Being part of something bigger than just yourself or the game or anything like that and to get to actually see it, I think, is really special for the group,” he said.
The team this year hopes to achieve a major milestone, raising $100,000 over the course of 16 years. The cause also gives the group something to fight for, a rallying cry throughout tough times. “You think you’re having a bad day or times are tough, maybe you’re not playing your best hockey or scoring goals. Well, you think about something like this and everything gives you that perspective of, you know, maybe things aren’t so bad,” McAuliffe said.
“I’m just hoping it grows and keeps growing,” Bonner said.
The team drops the puck in the Pink the Rink game Friday against Elmira College.
