Williston Girls Varsity Ice Hockey prevailed over Phillips Andover Academy, and raised a ton of money for breast cancer research, in their annual “Pink the Rink” game.

In front of an electric crowd, many wearing pink shirts made for the game by player Caroline Aufiero’s parents, the puck dropped at 4:45 on Saturday, Feb. 12, and featured two of the top teams in NEPSAC rankings. The girls defeated a strong, highly-ranked Andover team 4-1. In the win, Maeve Reynolds ’22, Jules Constantinople ’22, Ava DeCoste ’23, and Monique Lyons ’24 all recorded goals. Natalie Stott ’22 had an incredible performance in net.

The inside of the rink was filled with pink-shirted attendees, and prior to the game, members of the hockey team hung banners behind each goal, taped up posters acknowledging women affected by breast cancer who they wished to support, and wrapped pink ribbon throughout the stands.

This year’s game, 2022, marks the resumption of the event post Covid, as the game slotted to take place in 2021 was canceled due to the pandemic.

Cora Webber, a post-graduate defender committed to the University of Maine, recognizes the importance of acknowledging the people they are fighting for, both on and off the ice.

“The game was amazing, we had full pink uniforms and held a ceremony after warmups where we recognized survivors and those diagnosed,” she said. “We played a tough Andover team and came out strong.”

Cora added how important it was to “pull out the win and play for something bigger than ourselves.”

Emma Merrill, a senior defender committed to Bowdoin College, felt similar.

“It makes you stop for a second and realize there is a lot more going on around you,” she said.

The game featured a raffle with dozens of big-ticket items up for grabs, including four Boston Bruins tickets, Red Sox tickets, a 55- in. flat-screen TV, gift cards to local restaurants, an air fryer, lottery tickets, hockey jerseys, and a basket of Athleta clothing. Lossone’s stands were lined with eager students, parents, teachers, and other spectators waiting to find out if their raffle tickets had been chosen as the winner.

Coach Christa Talbot Syfu praised the seniors for their leadership and resiliency throughout their Williston tenure.

“Our 4-1 win over Andover in the pink game was definitely led by our strong group of seniors, which has been the case all year,” she said. “They missed the opportunity to play in this game last year and they wanted to make it the best day it could be. They definitely lead the way with their efforts on the ice as well.”

Natalie Stott, a senior goalie committed to Amherst College, mentioned the fundraiser’s ability to bring a community together to support those in need.

“It was awesome to see how many people came out to support the cause and our team in such an important game,” she said. “The energy was electric.”

“Pink The Rink” ultimately raised $2,590 for The Cancer Connection in Northampton for future research and support in the fight against breast cancer.

Sofia Michalski, the winner of the four Boston Bruins tickets, felt great being able to support The Cancer Connection.

“The raffles at these types of events are always super fun, competitive and for a good cause,” she said. “I was especially excited that I won the Bruins tickets as they were one of the most popular prizes everyone was going for.”

Grace Bean ’22 contributed reporting.