Colorado Mesa University’s hockey team will host its 9th annual Pink the Rink cancer charity game on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at 4:30 pm at River City Sportplex, where the Mavericks will take on Grand Canyon University.
Pink the Rink was launched in 2016 by the CMU Hockey Team to give back to the Grand Junction community through hockey. All proceeds from the event benefit Community Hospital Grand Valley Oncology, supporting local cancer patients and their families.
The annual event includes a hockey game, a kickoff event and a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind, specially designed Pink the Rink jerseys worn by the team. Pink the Rink T-shirts are sold in the months leading up to the game and at the event.
“The goal from the beginning was to keep it local,” said Tim Winegard, PhD, head coach of CMU hockey and associate professor of history. “Every penny is donated to help local cancer patients. Cancer affects all people, and we wanted the money to stay in this community.”
Over the years, Pink the Rink has raised more than $200,000 for local cancer patients, including a record-setting $34,000 in 2025.
“I’m very proud of the players for the amount of time they put into this,” Winegard said. “Every year, we raise more money.”
For team captain Ethan Gotchey, the event represents a collective effort. Much of the team’s work happens in advance, through tabling, selling T-shirts and encouraging community involvement.
“The event itself brings a lot of people and a lot of money to the charity,” Gotchey said. “We try to beat our record every year, so it’s always about raising as much as we can to give back.”
Gotchey said the atmosphere inside the arena is something players remember long after the season ends.
“It’s a special feeling,” he said. “Seeing a sea of people come out to support us and the community is pretty special.”
In recognition of its charitable impact, the CMU hockey program has received the Congressional Community Service Award from the United States Congress and has earned the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Community Service Award four times.
Winegard said the team is focused on continuing that tradition this year.
“I know the players will come ready to play and work hard,” he said. “I know we’ll be successful with both the charity part and the score at the end of the game.”
Community members are encouraged to attend and wear pink.
Pink the Rink details:
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
- Time: 4:30 pm
- Location: River City Sportplex (2515 Riverside Parkway)
For tickets, visit supportingcmu.org.