Many would say its a little unmasculine to play on an ice surface that is completely blotched in pink. However, the Mississauga St. Michael Majors feel that theres nothing feminine or wrong about supporting a growing cause that can only benefit those in dire need of help.
On February 13, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Majors will tie up their skates and tape their sticks to aid in the struggle with breast cancer that many in Mississauga have faced over the past decade. The Majors are rolling out their second year with the Paint the Rink Pink event at the Hershey Centre, hoping for yet another successful turnout to witness them against rivals Barrie Colts.
Imagine a packed house and an exhilarating game on pink ice. Thats exactly what took place last year when Majors fans found out about this very event. This year, the Majors are hoping for an even better turnout and bigger spectacle. To achieve this, they have even invited Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion and OHL Commissioner David Branch to participate in the opening ceremonies.
All proceeds from ticket sales last years game were handed to the Canadian Breast Cancer Federation (CBCF) and the same form of charity is planned this year as well. Tickets are priced at $1 for all group sales and $2 for all individual tickets sold. The Majors could potentially raise over $10,000 that would go toward CBCF research.
Its an exciting event that the whole team supports. I think its a great cause that shouldnt be left out, commented Majors center and UTM student Jared Gomes.
Not only will the rink be painted pink on Friday, but the Majors team is set to wear pink jerseys along with their head coach and GM Dave Cameron who will, supposedly, sport a pink tie. As well, the referees are voluntarily donning pink and black uniforms. Clearly, its set to be a gala of pink for a memorable time in the rink.
As an added bonus, all pinks jerseys and specially-made pink sticks will be auctioned online right after the festivities on Friday. All proceeds from these sales will go to CBCF as well.
Wearing the pink jerseys is a great way for hockey fans to be aware of breast cancer, and it should be something to support, added Gomes. Its definitely going to be a change playing on pink ice.
This is Gomes first time at the event after joining the Majors from the Sarnia Sting in August. Ever since, he has become a leader and point gobbler for the Majors, tallying 44 points in 52 games played.
But the game means a little more than just a genuine and heartening cause.
The Majors have recently skyrocketed back into fourth place in the Eastern conference and are striving to climb even higher in the rankings. A win against the Colts would mean pulling further away from the fifth place Niagara Ice Dogs.
The Colts meanwhile are aiming to surpass the Majors, and after their recent win against the London Knights, the Colts World Junior gold medalist Stefan Della Rouvere and his teammates are heading to the Hershey Centre with fire in their eyes. The Colts are seventh in the Eastern Conference and a win can push them pass the Oshawa Generals for sixth.
This is a game set to be full of action, hits, fits and a whole lot of goals. More significantly, its an important game that will help either team advance to the playoffs. Come show your support and help raise awareness with Paint the Rink Pink 2 at the Hershey Centre at 7:30 p.m. this Friday.
