Spartans Hockey continued its powerful Pink the Rink tradition during its 14th Annual event, held in late January, honoring those affected by cancer and reaffirming the program’s deep commitment to community. The night was filled with reflection, gratitude, and unwavering support—serving as a reminder that hockey is about far more than the final score.
Ahead of the January 30 matchup against the Hawks, the Spartans were addressed by Peter Dineen, brother of Kevin Dineen, the program’s 2026 Pink the Rink recipient. In an uplifting pre-game message, Peter spoke about family, resilience, and the importance of supporting one another, capturing the spirit of the evening with a simple but powerful reminder: “Hockey is the greatest game on Earth.”
A Queensbury resident, father of four, and lifelong member of the hockey community, Kevin Dineen has dedicated his life to the sport as a former NHL player and coach. Known for giving back at every level of the game, Kevin is currently battling cancer. Naming him as the 2026 Pink the Rink recipient reflects the deep respect and admiration the community holds for his impact—both on and off the ice.
In support of Kevin and his family, the Spartans hosted their Annual Basket Raffle on January 25 and welcomed the community to the Pink the Rink game on January 30. Despite challenging winter weather, student-athletes braved the storm to volunteer at the raffle hosted at The Tavern, demonstrating the dedication behind the cause.
Community partners rallied in meaningful ways throughout the weekend. The 518 Gym donated proceeds from its 4x4x48 endurance challenge, where staff and participants ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours beginning the night of the game. A cornhole tournament added another opportunity for engagement, bringing families, fans, and supporters together around a shared purpose.
This year’s Pink the Rink raised another record-breaking total, pushing the program’s 14-year fundraising impact to just under $300,000. More importantly, it showcased the strength of a community willing to show up, stand together, and support one of its own.
Pink the Rink remains a cornerstone of Spartans Hockey’s commitment to service. By honoring individuals like Kevin Dineen, the program continues to demonstrate how athletics can serve as a powerful force for connection, empathy, and hope—proving that being part of a team means being part of something far bigger than the game itself.
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