One of the Victoria Royals’ most highly-anticipated games of the season is happening this Friday and tickets are still available!
The Victoria Royals will be hosting their Western Conference rivals this Friday, February 2nd, as they welcome the Seattle Thunderbirds to town.
The Royals are coming off a three game stint last weekend against the Vancouver Giants, securing three out of a possible six points—they currently sit 5th in the Western Conference.
On Friday, February 2nd, the Royals will be hosting their annual Pink in the Rink game, one of the most highly attended nights where the community joins together to honour all of those whose lives have been touched by cancer.
Though every point is crucial as the race to the playoffs nears its end, this game has a bit more on the line.
Hockey can do much more than just entertain—it brings people together, creates friendships, and can teach a child the rewards of hard work and perseverance.
It can show kids how to work as a team, receive and apply feedback, and contribute to the community with fundraisers.
This Friday, it will bring together thousands of people over our favourite Canadian pastime, uniting everyone in the battle to beat cancer. Cancer touches everyone.
We all have someone to fight for.
Join us on Friday night for our Hockey Fights Cancer game against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
🎟️ | https://t.co/yxhXf1c19Y pic.twitter.com/GcMQIDU5rI
— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) January 30, 2024
“Pink in the Rink has always been a special night for the Royals and our community. This is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts as nearly everyone in our society is affected by it, one way or another,” said Joel Rinne, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for the Victoria Royals.
“This year, we’re proud to join in on the Hockey Fights Cancer movement, bringing a well known campaign over to the island, whilst keeping the support local by focusing on helping the work of the Vancouver Island Lodge run by the Canadian Cancer Society.”
“It’s going to be a wonderful night of coming together for our loved ones, but also celebrating the power of community,” added Rinne.
The Royals will hit the ice in their very first Hockey Fights Cancer Jersey, which will be up for auction online, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Vancouver Island Lodge.
Funds are aimed at securing the operations of this facility and providing a home away from home for individuals seeking treatment—donations directly to the Canadian Cancer Society can also be made online.
Last year, the Vancouver Island Lodge accommodated 475 guests, totaling 7700 nights of stay.
The jerseys showcase a lavender colour, which offers support for all of those affected by cancer. On the bottom of the jersey and on the sleeves, you will see the names of those for the team fights for.
Fans will also have the chance to take part in a draw during the game to win one of the limited edition jerseys, signed by the team.
In the concourse, there will be activities for families to show their support for their loved ones. Local artist Jaimey Hamilton will be performing at Gate 1 fanzone pre-game and during the intermissions.
The 50/50 support from the night will go directly to support the vital work of the Vancouver Island Lodge, as will the proceeds from the jersey auction.
The Vancouver Island Lodge, located near the Royal Jubilee Hospital, provides accommodations for cancer patients and their caregivers.
With 20 rooms totaling 38 beds, including two wheelchair-accessible rooms, it offers shared accommodations at a subsidized rate.
The lodge provides essential services such as meals, a shuttle program to the BC Cancer Agency, wig and breast prosthesis services, the “Look Good Feel Better” program, and various wellness initiatives. Guests can connect with others through the Lodge Group on cancer connection, fostering a supportive community.
“The wonderful partnership between the Victoria Royals and the Vancouver Island Lodge started October 2023 and has since been so rewarding and beneficial for the clients,” said Patti Andrews, Manager of the Canadian Cancer Society Vancouver Island Lodge.
“We appreciate the valuable time the players are able to give when they come to visit the clients at the lodge. Picking up a guitar and playing a song, signing autographs, and telling stories – all of these little acts of service and kindness goes a long way and really uplifts people’s spirits during a difficult time.”
Andrews states that at the end of each visit, the clients are overwhelmingly grateful. They often have tears of joy in their eyes and express their heartfelt thanks to the players for their kindness.
Nate Misskey stopped by the Vancouver Island Cancer Lodge to officially reveal our ‘24 Hockey Fights Cancer Jersey.
We are so humbled and honoured to be partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society and Hockey Fights Cancer.
We can’t wait to see these jerseys in action on Feb 2nd! pic.twitter.com/PRxEMWwNM2
— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) January 17, 2024
“A stay at the Canadian Cancer Society Vancouver Island Lodge helps a person being treated for cancer feel supported, informed and empowered,” added Andrews.
“The lodge provides people with cancer not only a safe, restful place to stay but tailored services and wellness programs to meet their unique needs, including wig and breast protheses banks, yoga and game nights.”
Pink in the Rink
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Friday, February 2nd – puck drop at 7:05 p.m.
- Tickets: Grab your tickets online here
