Latest news with #PinkintheRink
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunderbirds raise nearly $40K for Rays of Hope Foundation
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a donation of $38,300 to the Rays of Hope thanks to proceeds from the live jersey auction and accompanying fundraising elements during the T-Birds' 8th Annual Pink in the Rink game on March 8. Thunderbirds President NathanCosta, Vice President of Sales & Strategy Todd McDonald, and Managing Partner Paul Picknelly presented a check to the Rays of Hope earlier this month inside the MassMutual Center. This year's Pink in the Rink game, the eighth annual centerpiece of the T-Birds' community calendar, raised another tremendous total through auction sales of the T-Birds' pink-themed, game-worn jerseys. The MassMutual Center also continued its 'Pink' sellout streak, as the crowd reached its maximum capacity of 6,793 fans for an eighth straight Pink in the Rink. 'Pink in the Rink has truly grown into one of Springfield's most powerful and uplifting traditions,' Costa said. 'Thanks to our incredible partnership with Baystate Health and the Rays of Hope Foundation, this night continues to unite our community in hope, strength, and support. To see our eighth consecutive sellout is a testament to the heart of our fans and the importance of this cause. 'The energy in the Thunderdome is always palpable, the stories are deeply moving, and the courage of the survivors continues to inspire us all. We can't wait to build on this momentum next season — and we hold onto hope for the day a cure is finally found.' Established in T-Birds' inaugural season in 2016-17, 'Pink in the Rink' celebrates the commencement of the Rays of Hope fundraising efforts each March to shine a light on breast cancer awareness outside of the traditional October awareness month. Every year, the fundraising efforts culminate in the annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run in October in downtown Springfield. Since the establishment of this staple night, the Thunderbirds have generated more than $175,000 for the Rays of Hope Foundation, all of which stays local in Western Massachusetts in pursuit of a cure. 'Rays of Hope is very fortunate to have the support of the Springfield Thunderbirds and their fans,' said Baystate Health Foundation Director of Annual Giving and Events Kathy Tobin. 'Thanks to their efforts, Pink in the Rink makes this disease visible and reminds the community that breast cancer is a year-round fight for too many. The generosity of our pink partners allows us to fulfill our mission of ensuring that, through research, medical intervention, and healthy programs, thousands of local survivors receive the care they deserve.' Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has raised over $17.7 million to support the women and men living in Western Massachusetts touched by breast cancer. Funds also support vital research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research. The T-Birds Foundation was established in 2018 to serve the Springfield community and the Pioneer Valley beyond every win and loss by focusing on providing and supporting initiatives in health and wellness, youth enrichment, and civil service. During the 2024-25 season, the T-Birds Foundation raised more than $115,000 for charitable causes in Western Massachusetts. This year's Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer will be held on Sunday, October 19. For more information, visit or call 413-794-8001. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Drowsy driving poses risks during Daylight Savings
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – As Daylight Saving time begins, you may feel tired after losing an hour of sleep, and traffic safety experts shared the risks associated with drowsy finally time to spring those clocks ahead. Starting Sunday, the sun will both rise and set an hour later, giving us more daylight as we approach the official start of spring. Women share breast cancer experiences at Thunderbirds 'Pink in the Rink' event 'I feel good, I know spring is coming,' said Juan Rivera of East Hartford, Connecticut. 'I love this time of year,' said John Labrie of did lose an hour of sleep overnight Saturday, and you may feel the effects, especially if you're hitting the road. AAA is reminding drivers just how important it is to catch up on rest before getting behind the wheel. According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 700 fatalities from crashes involving drowsy driving in 2022. New research suggests drowsy driving is a factor in 10 times as many traffic fatalities as traditional crashes. To protect yourself and others at a time your sleep pattern may be disrupted, remember these important tips: Stay alert and rested Travel at a time when you are normally awake Avoid distractions like cellphones Obey speed limits Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash. And of course, make sure to buckle up for every ride. As Daylight Saving time begins, it's encouraged to take advantage of that extra hour of sunlight. 'Spring is coming, a lot of people are gonna do gardening,' Rivera said. 'A lot of people are gonna be happy.' ''Cause it's lighter later in the day, I'll spend some more time outside after work,' Labrie said. This time of year is a true sign that spring is on its way. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Women share breast cancer experiences at Thunderbirds ‘Pink in the Rink' event
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – On International Women's Day on Saturday, the Springfield Thunderbirds dedicated their game to breast cancer awareness. Many women in attendance said they are proudly in their 'Survivor Era,' a nod to Taylor Swift and her acclaimed Eras Tour, which was a recurring theme at the Thunderbirds' Pink in the Rink event. Thunderbirds to host 'Pink in the Rink' for breast cancer awareness In honor of those who have fought or are currently fighting breast cancer, fans were decked out in pink from head to toe. T-Birds players wore specialty pink jerseys, and even the ice was sprayed pink ahead of the event. Brave women wore matching shirts that read their mantra, 'In My Survivor Era', turning the fight into an era of hope for survivors and those in the community currently battling. Survivors and loved ones of survivors shared their message for those who wished to support. 'My mom is a survivor of like 20 years now of two types of cancer, so it's like a lot to like have my mom here with us tonight,' said Janiel Thies of Springfield. 'And then my aunt is also a survivor of breast cancer, so it really means a lot.' Jen Serricchil of Springfield discovered a lump in July 2023. 'Just start with examining yourself, that's the easiest thing to do,' Serricchil said. 'If something feels off, go ask the question, go see your doctor.' She went through 60 rounds of chemo, a lumpectomy and 30 rounds of radiation. Now, she is cancer-free. Jen's message to others is to find your support system and never give up. 'Just take it day at a time, that's all i can say,' Serricchil said. 'That was my mantra from day one.' The sold-out game against the Providence Bruins filled the arena with pink hope. For more information on breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services, resources are available such as: The American Cancer Society CancerCare National Cancer Institute Mayo Clinic WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stampede snaps Stars streak
Sioux Falls, S.D. (Stampede) – The Sioux Falls Stampede snapped the Lincoln Stars' winning streak with a dominant 7-3 victory Saturday night during the Pink in the Rink game. The Herd were led by Javon Moore and Gennadi Chaly, who each netted two goals. Chaly also added two assists on the night.. Goaltender Waylon Esche made his fourth start and picked up his third win between the pipes with 37 saves on the night. The Herd came out strong, controlling the puck from the start. That dominance paid off just 3:58 into the game when Jake Merens buried the first goal off a rebound tip, with Ritter Coombs picking up the assist. Shortly after, Coombs found himself in the penalty box for slashing, but the Stampede didn't miss a beat. At 8:39, Javon Moore capitalized on a breakaway, netting a shorthanded goal to extend the lead. Despite a 5-on-3 advantage following back-to-back Lincoln penalties, the Herd's power play struggles continued as they failed to convert. However, Sioux Falls closed out the period on a high note, adding another goal with just nine seconds left. Logan Renkowski tipped in the wrister from Gennadi Chaly, making it 3-0. Outshooting the Stars 17-7, the Stampede controlled the pace and kept Lincoln off the board through the first 20 minutes. The second period started with a shift in momentum as the Stars found the back of the net just 2:21 in, with Bruno Idzan sent one past goaltender Waylon Esche. Lincoln struck again just three minutes later, cutting the Stampede's lead to penalties to Jake Merens for tripping and Anthony Bongo for holding, the Herd's defense held strong, limiting the Stars to just two goals in the period. Sioux Falls generated several scoring chances, and at 18:17, they capitalized. Noah Urness snapped a wrister past the Stars' netminder, finishing off a backhand feed from Reid Varkonyi to give the Stampede a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame. The final period started with fast action. Just 8 seconds into the period Javon Moore scored with the assists getting credited to J.J. Monteiro and Gennadi Chaly. The Herd kept the pressure on, and at 1:31, Chaly found the back of the net himself, finishing a feed from Noah Urness to extend the lead. Sioux Falls maintained control, successfully killing off two more penalties throughout the period. Lincoln managed to get one back at 9:24 when Nikolas Young scored unassisted, but the Stampede had the final word. On a 4-on-1 break, Chaly buried his second of the night, with Ritter Coombs picking up his second assist to put the game away for good. Waylon Esche made his fourth start in goal while Aiden Wright is serving a two-game suspension. Esche made 37 saves on the night and maintained a save percentage of .925 for the night. His record now moves to 3-1-0-0 this season with a save percentage of .881 on the season. The Stampede will return home again tomorrow afternoon to take on the Fargo Force in a 4:05 pm game. The first 500 fans will receive a Stampede beanie thanks to Innovative Office Solutions. Following the game, fans can join the Herd on the ice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Painting the ice pink in the fight against cancer
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Only days after hosting Wiener Dog Night to benefit Dakota Dachshund Rescue, the Sioux Falls Stampede is supporting another important cause. A fresh coat of pink paint covers the ice at the PREMIER Center, not for Valentine's Day, but for Pink in the Rink night. 'Just a special night for us to celebrate and raise awareness for cancer and all types of cancer,' Stampede President Jim Olander said. Understanding the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder Olander says Pink in the Rink has been part of the Herd's schedule for nearly 20 years. 'We'll be honoring some cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer with a ceremonial puck drop, we've got fun in the concourse with Mr. Twister handing out free balloons, we're going to have free face painting,' Olander said. Fans are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a specialty jersey with proceeds benefiting Voices Against Cancer. 'We met them this summer and had some great conversations just about how can we help them as an organization. They're relatively new in the community, helping to make a difference,' Olander said. 'Voices Against Cancer is a local nonprofit that was started about four years ago,' Voices Against Cancer board member Gina George said. Gina George is a board member of Voices Against Cancer and says the organization raises money for children affected by pediatric cancer. 'We have a family assistance fund where we work one on one with our cancer patients and their families through Sanford, Avera, Mayo, all of these institutions and we make sure that the kids and the families have everything they want and need,' George said. The dollars raised will be put to work in a variety of ways. 'We help with toys, weighted blankets, activities, things like that directly, but then also through the research with the St. Baldrick's Foundation to try and find newer, better medications for our patients,' George said. 'I think it's going to be a special, fun night, again a night you don't have to be a big hockey fan there's so much other stuff going on, but I think you're going to leave a hockey fan,' Olander said. While making a difference in the fight against cancer. Raffle tickets for the game-worn jerseys are 1 for $10, 3 for $20, or 20 for $100. Saturday's matchup will feature the top two teams in the USHL Western Conference, Lincoln and Sioux Falls. The puck drops at 6:05. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
