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ALBANY, N.Y. -- The first-year ECAC Hockey Pink at the Rink  program to benefit the American Cancer Society raised $40,000 for the cause, it was announced today.  Pink at the Rink was a newly created variation of a traditional Coaches vs. Cancer program that will provide critical outreach, while raising funds in support of the American Cancer Society's lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.

The main premise of the program had ECAC Women's Hockey teams wearing specially designed pink jerseys on consecutive weekend home series - February 8-9 and February 15-16.  These game-worn jerseys, along with autographed ties and scarves worn by both men's and women's head coaches, were auctioned on-line at a newly created Web site (www.ecachockeycoachesvscancer.com).  The game-worn pink jerseys were personalized for each institution and showcased the ECAC Hockey Coaches vs. Cancer and ECAC Hockey logo patches.

"Through the solid efforts of our head coaches and student-athletes the program exceeded our expectations," remarked ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell.  "The league is very proud to support a project, such as Pink at the Rink, knowing our efforts are benefitting  such a tremendous cause."

A minimum bid of $150 was solicited for each player's jersey, with a "Buy It Now" feature on the Web site that allowed a potential buyer to own the jersey of his/her choice for a flat price of $250. 

In addition to the sale of the jerseys, teams got involved in various ways to raise additional funds, such as selling T-shirts and bracelets on their concourse, donating part of the money raised through ticket prices, and 50-50 drawings, to name a few. 
 
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.