January 16, 2026 — The Franklin Fire Department is encouraging residents to come together in support of local athletes and community members during the MVU Varsity Hockey annual Pink the Rink game, set for Saturday, January 17, at Highgate Arena. The event highlights solidarity in the fight against cancer and honors individuals in the community. The evening will feature the MVU girls’ team taking on Beekmantown at 5:30 p.m. in support of Mark Racine, followed by the MVU boys’ matchup against Northeastern Clinton at 8 p.m. in support of Carrie Paradee. Proceeds from activities including a 50/50 raffle, chuck-a-puck, and the sale of limited-quantity shirts, bracelets, decals, and honor pucks will benefit the Jim Bashaw Cancer & Catastrophic Illness Fund. Organizers emphasized that the night is about more than hockey, reinforcing the message that no one faces these battles alone.