The Victoria Royals are back on home ice this weekend, but Saturday night will be about more than just points in the standings.
Pink in the Rink returns to the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre as the Royals host their annual fundraiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Vancouver Island Lodge.
Victoria heads into the weekend after picking up two of a possible four points on their US road swing through Tri-City and Spokane.
With playoffs approaching and the standings tight, the Royals are looking to build momentum at home, starting tonight before Saturday’s marquee pink game.
During Pink in the Rink, the Royals will wear specialty pink jerseys that are now live for auction. Proceeds from the jersey auction, along with 50/50 sales, will go directly toward supporting guests at Vancouver Island Lodge.
The team has set a fundraising goal of $8,000.
“The Vancouver Island Lodge offers a home away from home for people going through cancer treatment,” said Katie Prudencio with Vancouver Island Lodge – Canadian Cancer Society.
“The lodge is a community where strangers come together, and friendships are formed during a challenging time.”
The Lodge provides far more than a place to sleep. Guests receive three hot meals a day, two snacks and 24-hour access to the dining hall.
They also have access to daily housekeeping, complimentary laundry, a fitness room, games room, library, TV rooms, a massage chair and outdoor patio space.
Volunteers provide shuttle service to and from treatment appointments, easing stress for patients and families.
“When guests stay at the lodge they can focus on their health and not worry about the day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning or driving to appointments because we look after all that for them,” said Prudencio said.
Royals players visited the Lodge on February 9th, spending time with guests by playing music, signing autographs and sharing stories.
“Picking up a guitar, playing the piano, signing autographs and telling stories goes a long way by uplifting their spirits and giving them a moment not to think about cancer,” Prudencio said.
“At the end of every visit the guests are beyond grateful.”
Funds raised this weekend will help upgrade guest room flooring and repaint rooms to create a more calming and comfortable space.
Saturday’s Pink in the Rink game, presented by Mayfair Optometric Clinic, has become one of the most meaningful nights on the Royals’ calendar, blending competitive hockey with a strong show of support for Vancouver Islanders facing cancer.
Victoria Royals Pink in the Rink 2026
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When:
- Friday, February 27th, puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28th, puck drops at 4:05 p.m.
