By Francis Dupont
MONTREAL — The Montréal Phoenix organization did its part in the fight against cancer with its Quebec AAA Junior Hockey League contest against the first place Collège-Français Sunday, which was dedicated to breast cancer and other women’s cancers.
October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked by the annual Pink October campaign and symbolized by the pink ribbon. Launched in 1985, this worldwide initiative aims to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and support research.
The event began during warm-ups, as Montréal’s players wore pink jerseys, as they have done since the beginning of October.
Next, the mothers of players from both teams were invited onto the ice to receive a rose from their sons, whether they played for the Collège-Français or the Phoenix in a particularly touching moment during Thanksgiving weekend.
LHJAAAQ commissioner Kevin Figsby was the guest of honour.
A cancer survivor himself, he took part in the ceremonial puck drop before the game.
All female spectators attending the game also received a rose from the Phoenix organization.
It was a powerful and symbolic gesture that undoubtedly brought a measure of hope to those fighting the disease every day.
Unbeaten Collège-Français (11-0-0-0) went on to win the game by a score of 9–0, led by 20-year-old Maxime Lafond’s tremendous six-assist performance.
Meanwhile, teammate Étienne Giroux scored three goals and added an assist and Malik Rancourt earned the shutout with 20 saves.
However, no one will really remember the score as the message delivered Sunday afternoon was far more powerful than the outcome of a hockey game.