ATHLETES GOING GOLD
​
Unite. Play. Conquer. Together we GO GOLD for children fighting cancer!

Athletes are teaming up with Griffin's Guardians, not just to compete in sports, but also to make a real difference in their community. By raising funds and spreading awareness, these remarkable individuals are lending a helping hand to families in need, specifically those with children fighting Pediatric Cancer. It’s heartwarming to see athletes using their platform to bring hope and support to those who need it the most. It reminds us of the power of teamwork both on and off the field!

Is your school or team interested in Going Gold for Griffin's Guardians?

Recent Student Athlete Events 

CNS vs Syracuse City Going Gold Hockey Game
January 15th, 2026 Game Time 7:35PM

CNS in 2024 Going Gold
​CNS Hockey vs IHC
Newschannel 9 News Segment
The Going Gold CNS Hockey Game was held on Thursday, January 15th, the night before the Griffin’s Guardians Annual Hockey Tournament weekend.

CNS hosted the Syracuse Cougars at the MACC in Cicero to support Griffin’s Guardians and its mission to help Central New York families affected by pediatric cancer.

Both teams donated raffle baskets for the tournament weekend and wore custom Griffin’s Guardians jerseys—NorthStars in gold to represent pediatric cancer and the Cougars in red, Griffin’s favorite color.

​The night was especially meaningful, as Griffin Engle would have been a senior this year, skating alongside his younger brother Everett, an 8th grader on the team.
Pictured Above: Eighth grader, Everett Engle, Griffin's brother doing the ceremonial puck drop alongside Senior #14 David Pierce Jr. Adam Engle, Griffin's dad, dropped the puck to start the game! 

Pictured on the left: Adam, Erin, Grace and Everett Engle with SCSD player.
CNS vs FM Hoops for Hope Basketball Games
Varsity Girls 5PM & Varsity Boys 6:30PM
​Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026

The CNS and Fayetteville-Manlius Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams played on Tuesday, February 3rd to support Griffin's Guardians at the Hoops for Hope basketball games!

More than just a game, the evening  served as a tribute to children currently fighting cancer, those who have bravely survived, and the many young lives lost too soon. Both teams took the court with a shared mission: to raise awareness and show unwavering support for families affected by pediatric cancer in their own community.

Students from CNS High School's President Cabinet collected donations for over 20 raffle baskets to help with their fundraiser.
Players and fans showed their support by wearing "Forever a NorthStar t-shirts to the game. 
Hockey Fights Cancer
​Cazenovia Lakers vs Syracuse Cougars
Boys Varsity Ice Hockey
​Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

​The Cazenovia Lakers showcased the power of hockey beyond the ice by hosting Hockey Fights Cancer. The event took place on January 13th at the SUNY Morrisville Iceplex, where the Lakers faced the Syracuse Cougars and the night raised over $2100 for Griffin's Guardians. 

Fans and players supported the cause through chuck-a-puck, a 50/50 raffle and themed raffle baskets.

Throughout the evening, attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Griffin's Guardians and their mission to support the Pediatric Cancer community. 

Volunteers and recipients of Griffin's Guardians worked together to pull off this amazing event, raising $2100 for our mission!   

Past Student Athlete Events 

CNS vs Liverpool
​Annual Going Gold Soccer Game

A little rain did not stop them! It was such a great turn out for our “Going for Gold” give back game in support of “Griffin’s Guardians” on October 7th! 


Thank you to EVERYONE who helped make this community event such a success! The event raised over  

BLACK OUT for Melanoma! 
​CNS vs PSLA Fowler Volleyball Game

The CNS Girls Volleyball team supported their friend Ava, to raise awareness for melanoma and to remember Griffin at the CNS vs PSLA Fowler Volleyball game on September 23rd, 2025.

The unified community, both fans and players wore BLACK attire to symbolize melanoma cancer and to participate in the initiative to "BLACK OUT Melanoma"! By standing in solidarity, they demonstrated strength and unity. Let's continue to raise awareness about melanoma and exhibit to Ava and her family the amazing support our community provides.

We are stronger together, and together we can make a difference in the fight against melanoma!

"Sticking it to Cancer" Charity NCAA III Men's Hockey Game! ​

Thank you to the NCAA Division III Oswego Lakers Men's Hockey and Cortland Dragon's Men's Hockey teams for coming together to honor Griffin's legacy and support
the fight against pediatric cancer and children battling in Central New York. The funds raised from this event totaled $16,500!  

Thank you to the players and fans who packed the
​stadium with GG love and cheered on both teams
as they played for a great cause!

Score Big: Congratulations to the winner of the Ultimate Toronto MapleLeafs Experience that was done through our online auction powered by GiveSmart!
Location: Allyn Ice Arena at the Skaneateles Community Center ~  97 State St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Newschannel 9 News segment interviewing Oswego and Cortland Men's Hockey coaches about "Sticking it to Cancer" event
Article about Sticking it to Cancer
​from the Oswego County Today