Pink the Rink/Pitch Raises Money and Awareness

With October and Family Weekend right around the corner at school, breast cancer awareness has already started. During Family Weekend, the annual Pink the Rink/Pitch event will happen for the entire Northwood community to participate in. On Wednesday, the 24^th, sales of the pink “Fight Like a Husky” shirts began at lunch for students and faculty to purchase for $18. The shirts are a staple of the event, as practically the whole school will be pink during Family Weekend. A chuck-a-puck event is also planned for one of the hockey games. For those who don’t know, Chuck-a-Puck is a game where participants buy a numbered puck and throw it onto the rink. The puck that lands closest to the center ice dot wins. All proceeds from the shirts and chuck-a-puck will go to the FitzPatrick Cancer Center in nearby Plattsburgh, NY.

Leigh Riffle is one of the faculty leaders of Pink the Rink/Pitch, and she said, “I really enjoy this because I can watch our student leaders take charge of this event and show how much they truly care about our community and beyond. When I walk into the dining room and see our students selling and wearing the T-shirts and setting up the rink, it makes me very happy to see you guys take ownership of something like this. The coolest part is seeing the event bring everyone together for something so much bigger than ourselves.”

“People don’t realize that this event affects so many people outside of our little community. I hope that the students are able to see how many people are positively impacted by this event and can appreciate the differences that they make,” Riffle added when asked about how it feels to participate in this event.

Three-year student Parker Thompson ‘26 said, “Pink the Rink/Pitch has been something over my three years here that we all look forward to, as it raises awareness and brings our community together. My favorite part about this is wearing the pink jerseys and playing for my family members who were affected by it.”

Three-year returners Anna Monette ‘26 and Oceanne Thiffault-Michelle ‘26 also shared their thoughts about the progression of Pink the Rink/Pitch. “Our first year, it was almost non-existent with no t-shirts and jerseys. Last year was better because we got jerseys and shirts, and it was great seeing the community come together, so I am super excited to see what this year has in store,” said Monette.

Oceanne said, “My favorite part about it is the fact that everyone comes together that weekend, even if it’s just to make a poster, watch the game, and cheer others up. It’s probably my favorite weekend of the year.”

The student leaders are also planning a schoolwide dress-down day on Wednesday, October 1. To participate, students must wear the “Fight Like a Husky” pink shirt. Overall, it is shaping up to be an exciting weekend with every Northwood sports team getting the opportunity to do their part and raise awareness. The schedule can be found on the attached flyer. We hope to see everyone show their support for this great cause!