Excellence on the ice is just one facet of the CMU Hockey Team’s identity. Beyond their competitive spirit and impressive skills on the ice, they represent the true meaning of community engagement and philanthropy.
This year, their commitment to community service earned them the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s 2024 National Community Service Award. The team was recognized for their efforts in the 7th Annual Pink the Rink fundraiser, where they raised a record-high total of $32,128 for the St. Mary’s Cancer Assistance Fund.
During the past 7 years, CMU’s Pink the Rink has raised more than $132,000 for various charitable causes in the Grand Junction area. The players coordinate, sell and organize all fundraising aspects of the event. Fundraising efforts included selling T-shirts, raffle tickets for game worn jerseys, a silent auction, a “shoot a puck” contest and more.
Out of the 450 teams in the American Collegiate Hockey Association located across the US and Canada, CMU stood out for their dedication and significant efforts to give back to the Grand Junction community.
“It’s a nice way to give back to a community that supports us through the game that we love, to be part of something that’s bigger than yourself. We give back through the game of hockey, which has given all of us so much throughout our lives,” said Assistant Professor of History and CMU Men’s Hockey Coach Tim Winegard, PhD.
This marks the second time in a row and the third time overall the team has won the award since starting Pink the Rink in 2016.
“I’m proud of my players, both past and present, for all of the charity work they've done and the effort they put in,” said Winegard.
The team’s commitment to serving the community shines brightly in their consistent dedication to the Pink the Rink fundraiser. Their legacy of compassion and generosity proves that the power of student-athlete teamwork extends far beyond the ice rink.