WINONA, Minn. – As Saint Mary's Athletics looks back on some of the unforgettable moments that defined the 2025-26 academic year this summer, a weekend that united the Cardinal women's hockey program, the Saint Mary's community, and the hockey community behind one of its own stands out.
Last fall, Cardinal goaltender Riley Vander Esch was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer known as diffuse midline glioma. In response, the Saint Mary's women's hockey team transformed its December series against Concordia Moorhead into Rally for Riley, a weekend dedicated to celebrating Riley's courage while raising funds in the fight against pediatric cancer. Every dollar raised benefited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The weekend featured memorable moments on the ice as well. The Cardinals opened the series with a thrilling 4-3 victory, highlighted by Destinee Hoffmann's first collegiate goal, which was the game-winning tally. While Saint Mary's fell 2-1 in the Rally for Riley finale, the lasting impact of the weekend extended far beyond the final horn.
Support poured in from every corner of the Cardinal community. A silent auction featuring more than 15 prize packages—including Minnesota Wild tickets, local gift certificates, and themed baskets—drew tremendous participation, while the fan-favorite Chuck-a-Puck intermission fundraiser generated incredible enthusiasm.
Thanks to the generosity of alumni, fans, families, friends, and supporters, the Cardinals surpassed their goal by raising more than $25,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Every donation, every auction bid, and every Chuck-a-Puck purchased helped support life-changing research and treatment for children battling cancer while serving as a powerful reminder to Riley that she is surrounded by a community that stands beside her.
The Rally for Riley weekend became more than a hockey series; it became a testament to the strength of the Cardinal family.
We rally for Riley. We play for Riley. And we will continue standing with her every step of the way.
It was, without question, one of the defining moments of the 2025-26 Saint Mary's Athletics season.
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