The University of Arizona hockey team will host its annual “Pink the Rink” cancer-awareness game Saturday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m., when the Wildcats will sport pink jerseys honoring individuals who have suffered from cancer, during their game against the University of Central Oklahoma. The game will take place at the Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave.
Community members are invited to participate in this event by purchasing a special jersey featuring the name of a loved one to be worn by an Arizona player during the game. During a post-game ceremony, players will present their game-worn jerseys to the purchasers, as well as a special program featuring the stories of those being honored. Honorees may include cancer victims, cancer survivors or individuals battling the disease. They also may choose to honor those who care for patients in the home, or who volunteer through community work or have dedicated their careers to battling cancer.
“We feel it is our responsibility and honor as leaders of the community to use our platform effectively and do everything in our power to help such an important cause,” said Chad Berman, Arizona Wildcat Hockey head coach. “Because cancer affects so many of us, we want to be a part of the solution. Our hockey program takes tremendous pride in our community service.”
Jerseys are $250 and all proceeds go directly to the University of Arizona Cancer Center. All proceeds from ticket sales also will benefit the UA Cancer Center. Tickets range from $10-14. For the team’s “Ladies Night,” also Jan. 19, all women wearing pink attire to the game will receive free cotton candy.
“Fans can expect to take part in a really special event that is bigger than any one game, or even ourselves,” Berman said. “In the end, we only can provide the platform, so the community is what drives this special cause. The more people in attendance, the stronger our reach.”
For more information and/or to purchase a jersey or tickets: http://www.arizonawildcathockey.org/pink.
About the University of Arizona Cancer Center
The University of Arizona Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center headquartered in Arizona. The UACC is supported by NCI Cancer Center Support Grant number CA023074. With primary locations at the University of Arizona in Tucson and at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, the Cancer Center has more than a dozen research and education offices in Phoenix and throughout the state and 300 physician and scientist members work together to prevent and cure cancer. For more information, please go to uacc.arizona.edu