ECAC Hockey & American Cancer Society Expand Program

ALBANY, N.Y. -- ECAC Hockey and the American Cancer Society announced today that they have teamed up once again to help fight cancer for the second consecutive season with an expanded Pink At The Rink program.  The variation of a traditional Coaches vs. Cancer program will provide critical outreach, while raising funds in support of the American Cancer Society's lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.  This year's program will also benefit Hockey Coaches Care, which helps members of the amateur hockey community in times of need.

This year's expanded program will feature both a men's and women's effort with the main premise of the campaign being the on-line sale of game-worn men's black/pink jerseys on consecutive weekend home series - February 20-21 and February 27-28 and the on-line sale of women's game-used sticks with specially designed wraps used during home series in the first three weekends in February.  All of these items will be available thru the on-line sale on the distinctly designed Web site (www.ecachockeycoachesvscancer.com). The men's game-worn black/pink jerseys and the women's stick-wraps will be personalized for each institution and showcase ECAC Hockey Coaches vs. Cancer, Hockey Coaches Care and ECAC Hockey logos. 

"ECAC Hockey is extremely excited about the opportunity for a chance to duplicate last season's Pink At The Rink success and the expansion to include all of the men's programs this year," remarked ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell.  "With the continued efforts of all of our institutions and teams, we are poised to further the develop the Pink At The Rink program and witness its benefits."

With the aide of MissionFish, a fundraising tool on eBay, the bidding for all items is slated to begin 9 a.m. February 6 and conclude 5 p.m. March 4 (dates/times subject to change).  A minimum bid of $150 is sought for each player's jersey and $75 for each player's stick.

Look for opportunities to purchase these jerseys and sticks on the arena's concourse and lobby areas during home games as well.  There will be also be a variety of additional promotions taking place to help benefit the cause such as, sales of bracelets, 50-50 drawings, etc.   

In addition to the men's special jerseys and women's stick-wraps, both men's and women's coaching staffs will be wearing pink ties and scarves during these two designated weekends.  Each head coach will autograph his/her game-worn item, which will then be placed on the new web site as part of the on-line auction process.

"ECAC Hockey continues to be a tremendous supporter of the American Cancer Society and Coaches vs. Cancer.  To have the 12 member schools of ECAC hockey come together sets an example for those in our community that there are no rivals in the fight against cancer.  The league, coaches and student-athletes continue to go above and beyond in support of our mission," commented Rose Siggia, Director of Distinguished Events, American Cancer Society, Eastern Division.

For additional information, please feel free to visit www.ecachockeycoachesvscancer.com or www.ecachockey.com for periodic updates throughout the duration of the program.

About ECAC Hockey
ECAC Hockey boasts elite student-athletes and teams from 12 of the nation's most prestigious institutions - Brown University, Clarkson University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, St. Lawrence University, Union College, and Yale University.

Coaches vs. Cancer
Coaches vs. Cancer is a program founded by the American Cancer Society empowering schools and universities to join in the fight against cancer by participating in a variety of national and local events.  Through the program coaches on all levels have led fundraising and advocacy efforts that provide individuals a chance to give something back by rallying around an important cause.  Coaches vs. Cancer promotes healthy living and cancer prevention and helps create a world where cancer no longer threatens those we love.

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