Organizers of an annual charity hockey game are tickled pink at the outstanding response by both players and the public.

Hosted by the midget AAA Flames hockey team, the annual Pink in the Rink charity game returned for its fifth year Saturday to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

With players raising well over $20,000 going into the game, Committee Chairwoman Debbie Hyman said the team has very personal reasons for their dedication to the cause.

“Last year, there were two moms on the team that had been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.

“This year, it’s being held to honour family members and friends, because we’re all touched by it.”

It was a breast cancer diagnosis of a team member’s mom five years ago that inspired the first Pink in the Rink, with subsequent games held to commemorate someone close to the team battling the disease.

While this year’s game was a regular-season meeting between the Midget Flames and the Calgary Buffaloes, previous events have featured some interesting match-ups.

Last year, the AAA Flames faced off against the Canadian Olympic women’s hockey team in a spirited match that ended in a shootout.

Decked out in pink uniforms, the players concluded the day with a moving tribute where the team presented their moms with their jerseys at centre ice.

Aside from the game, attendees bid on signed jerseys and hockey memorabilia, with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Stampeders star Jon Cornish was on hand to drop the puck at Saturday’s game, part of ongoing support by Calgary’s pro sports teams.

“The support has been remarkable,” Hyman said.

“This event couldn’t have happened without support from the players, parents, coaches and support from the community.”

Aside from supporting a worthy cause, she said the team’s commitment to the event is the key to its success over the years.

“Everybody on the team can think of somebody they know who has been affected by breast cancer,” Hyman said.

“Every year, there’s been a mother, a friend or family member afflicted, so every year there’s been a reason to hold this event.”

bryan.passifiume@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @SUNbryanpass