Special to the OBSERVER
The SUNY Fredonia men's hockey team will take to the ice this Saturday ready once again to take on cancer - in addition to rival SUNY Plattsburgh in its last SUNYAC regular season home game of the year.
The action begins at 7 p.m. in Steele Hall Ice Arena, although fans are encouraged to get there early to be assured a ticket and a seat.
Article Photos
Photo Courtesy of SUNY?Fredonia
The Fredonia?State Blue Devils will take part in “Pink the Rink” on?Saturday at Steele Hall. The event is the fifth year the team has held the annual fund-raising benefit for the American Cancer Society, which has the Blue Devils donning bright pink jerseys and socks to raise awareness of and funding for cancer research.
This is the fifth year the team has held the annual fund-raising benefit for the American Cancer Society, which has the Blue Devils donning bright pink jerseys and socks to raise awareness of and funding for cancer research. Originally designed with a focus exclusively on breast cancer (thus, the pink color choice), it has evolved in recent years to battle multiple forms of cancer, and recognize and support its survivors as well as loved ones who have been lost.
This year the team once again sold 31 authentic, game-worn jerseys in advance of the event, thereby raising more than $8,000 before the Steele Hall doors even open this weekend. Each jersey has the last name of a loved one printed on the back, to be worn by SUNY Fredonia players before and during the game. This year, some SUNY Fredonia cheerleaders will also be wearing certain jerseys to increase the honorees' exposure among the attendees.
See HOCKEY, Page?B2
"Demand for the pink jerseys was high and continues to be as I get calls and e-mails daily," Fredonia State hockey coach Jeff Meredith said. "We have even started a preferred list for next year's jerseys so that those people will be able to get one."
At the conclusion of the contest, the survivors and families of those honored loved ones will be invited to the ice to meet the player who wore their jersey, and be presented it as a keepsake from the event.
"During the second year, this event was held, it resulted in nationwide coverage - including first-ever appearances on ESPN, CNN and Good Morning America for our school, among other national media," Fredonia state Public Relations Director Mike Barone said. "It truly was an innovative idea, since copied by many. It captured the hearts of people who saw these big, macho guys embrace such a worthwhile cause and not worry about what others thought. Best of all, it was created and implemented by our students and coaches. It's been an honor and a privilege to support them in this endeavor every year."
