Pink in the Rink Raises Over $75,000 In Cancer Fundraiser, Petes Clinch Playoff Spot In 5-1 Win

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It was a special night for philanthropy and hockey for the Peterborough Petes’ 13th annual Pink in the Rink game.

The fundraiser collected a total of $76,952.18 for the Canadian Cancer Society as the Petes clinched the final playoff spot in a 5-1 win over the Niagara IceDogs Saturday night.

Over the past 13 years, the Petes have raised just shy of $900,000 through Pink in the Rink in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. The Petes own the top spot in the OHL and CHL with 18 shorthanded goals this season. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The game had 3,228 fans at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, a season-high record. The fundraiser’s original goal was $50,000.

The Petes never lost the lead in their 5-1 victory over the IceDogs. The home team had five different goal-scorers as defenceman Konnor Smith opened the scoring while forwards Quinton Pagé, Emmett Sproule, Tucker Robertson (short-handed) and J.R. Avon scored (short-handed).

Goaltender Michael Simpson made 20 saves and earned his 18th win of the season.

@ptbo_canada The @petesohlhockey raised money for cancer research for their “Pink in the Rink” fundraising campaign! They also clinched a playoff spot with a 5-1 win over the Niagara IceDogs! #ohl #pinkintherink #gopetesgo #cancerresearch #hockey #ptbo #ptbocanada ♬ Saturday - twenty one pilots

Players wore special Pink in the Rink fundraising sweaters —with the design revealed on March 15 — and were sold in a post-game live auction.

Tucker Robertson’s jersey sold for a record-setting $3,100. Other fundraising initiatives at the game included chuck-a-ball, silent auction, bucket donations, t-shirt sales and online fundraisers.

Petes alumnus and former captain Doug Gibson and Global News Peterborough sports anchor Meaghan Roy were this year’s co-chairs, raising a combined $13,425,28.

The game was played on a make-up date and was originally scheduled for Feb. 5. It was delayed due to temporary COVID-19 restrictions.

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