08/06/2026
A promise made between two best friends is now driving a mission to change the future of cancer research.
This Saturday, former University of Guelph hockey player Colton Incze will take part in Ride North as captain of Sarcoma Slayers 21, a team named in honour of his late teammate and close friend Jacob Winterton, who passed away from sarcoma in March 2026.
The two were more than teammates. They played hockey together at the University of Guelph, studied real estate together, and were like brothers on and off the ice. Jacob, a former OHL player with the Oshawa Generals, was known for his selflessness, leadership and humility both on and off the ice. He was the Gryphons' leading scorer the season before his cancer diagnosis and was still competing at a high level, even scoring a goal in one of his final games before learning the full extent of the disease he was facing.
In early 2025, what seemed like routine shoulder pain turned out to be something much more serious. Jacob was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that accounts for less than one per cent of all new cancer cases in Canada.
When Jacob's health declined, Colton was unable to make it to the hospital in time to say goodbye. Instead, he sent his friend a text message, promising that he would dedicate his life to raising awareness and funds for sarcoma research. Jacob, struggling to breathe and receiving oxygen, replied with a simple but heartfelt thank you.
Now, Colton is living up to that promise.
As riders prepare to take on the roads of Muskoka for Ride North, Colton will be carrying more than a fundraising goal. He will be carrying the memory of a friend, the legacy of #21, and a commitment to ensuring more people understand the signs of sarcoma and have access to the research needed to improve outcomes.
