June 15, 2009

Union Reflects on Pink at the Rink

In the span of about a year and a half, the Union College women’s ice hockey team has raised more than $15,000 for the fight against cancer. The team topped ECAC Hockey schools in 2008 raising approximately $11,700 during the “Pink at the Rink” efforts between the league and the American Cancer Society. In 2009, the Dutchwomen raised $4,249.

“Pink at the Rink has brought together the ECAC league to do something together and helped raise money and awareness for fighting cancer,” said head coach Claudia Asano. “Our players and the leagues players have put a great deal of effort into a successful campaign.”

Asano and the rest of the Dutchwomen were affected personally with the fight of cancer earlier this year when volunteer assistance coach and friend of the program George Morrison lost his battle with brain cancer. Even though the team raised less money in 2009 than the pervious year, the push was even stronger.

“I think when George was diagnosed the first thought in everyone's head was, ‘well we will fight for him,’” Asano said. “Our team worked hard this year to make sure we raised awareness about brain cancer and raised money in George's memory. He was one of the best and our team bonded together in memory of him.”

ECAC Hockey and the American Cancers first “Pink at the Rink”, highlighted by an online auction of game-worn pink jerseys event raised more than $30,000. The tandem teamed up again and added the men’s teams this past season. The women used pink stick wraps, while the men donned special black and pink jerseys. Both items were sold online along with scarves and ties worn by the coaching staffs.

“Our community did a great job of supporting us during our pink weekend,” Asano said. “We had many fans and people support our program and I’d like to thank each of them.”