Fredonia State Prepares for its 7th Annual Pink the Rink Hockey Game
Last season, the Fredonia State men's hockey team raised more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society with a "Pink the Rink" game. This year's team will continue the theme as they look to raise a lot of green.
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Over the last six years, Fredonia State has raised almost $35,000 to help fight cancer. The money comes from a number of pink themed events, including a $250 donation for a Blue Devils player to wear a pink jersey with the name of a loved one who has been impacted by the disease.
"That's the least that we can do. We want to put on a great show, we want a first class night of community service," said Blue Devils coach Jeff Meredith.
"It certainly has become an infectious event, to see the crowds that they have, they have to turn people away because they are at capacity. We are just so blessed to be able to touch so many lives with the awareness message and to have the fundraising portion at the back end is icing on the cake," said Mike Porpiglia, Community Executive, American Cancer Society.
Fredonia State's hockey season hasn't gone the way they wanted, compiling just a 5-13-2 record, but none of that matters on pink the rink night. All that matters is the responsibility the players say they feel to raise as much money and awareness as they can for the American Cancer Society.
"We try and play as hard as we can every night, but knowing we are playing for someone else as well as our team makes it that much more special," said center Chris Jung.
The special feeling runs even deeper for freshman Taylor Bourne. He will wear his mother's name on the back of his jersey. She lost her battle with cancer last year.
"It means a lot, to be in the rink with all those fans wearing a jersey, that means a lot to me, it's a big thing for me," said Bourne, a center.
The Blue Devils and Cortland hit the ice for Pink the Rink on Friday, February 8th at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m.
If you would like to donate to Pink the Rink or purchase a jersey, contact Coach Jeff Meredith at meredith@fredonia.edu or the American Cancer Society.