The women’s hockey team hosts St. Lawrence and Clarkson in a pair of critical ECAC games this weekend, but don’t expect to cheer on the maroon at Starr Rink. The Raiders will have a different look on the ice, as pink jerseys will be worn for the first time. No, Colgate is not introducing its new school color. Rather, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, all of the ECAC women’s hockey teams are participating in the inaugural “Pink at the Rink” program, an event designed to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.

For the next two weekends, all of the home teams in the ECAC will don pink jerseys. After the games, the unique jerseys will be sold online at www.ecachockeyleague.com to raise money for cancer advocacy, education, and research. Bidding will begin at $150, and like eBay, there will be a “Buy it Now” feature that enables the jerseys to be purchased for a flat rate of $250. Additionally, pink ties and scarves worn by the coaching staffs will be sold.

To add to the spirit of the event, Colgate is giving free tickets to those who make a donation or wear pink to the games, although this does not directly affect students because there is no fee to attend the games. However, a little enthusiasm, either in the form of donations or wearing pink, is certainly encouraged.

Head Coach Scott Wiley played an instrumental role in getting Pink at the Rink off the ground.

“[Wiley] had the idea in the fall and through a lot of work, he succeeded in putting it all together with the help of others,” senior co-captain Kate Wolgemuth said.

“All of ECAC Hockey is extremely excited about the inaugural Pink at the Rink project,” ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell said. “With all the efforts of our league administrators, coaches, student-athletes, on-ice officials, and fans alike, we are confident of the benefits that will result from the program in supporting a cause that hits close to home for many of us.”

The Raiders are just as enthusiastic about Pink at the Rink.

“The team is really excited for the event,” Wolgemuth said. “We took it upon ourselves to help advertise for it. We made t-shirts, posters, and other signs you should see around campus this week.”

It is hard to imagine supporting two more worthwhile causes simultaneously than the fight against cancer and the Colgate Raiders. Take advantage of this opportunity this weekend at Starr Rink.