The Ice Dawgs are trading their usual red and black for pink this Friday in their matchup against Georgia Tech.
The team’s annual “Pink in the Rink” game will be Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. at Akins Ford Arena. The event is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event will be in partnership with Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer and sponsored by Landmark Properties. Fans will have the chance to pledge a dollar amount for every Ice Dawgs goal scored. Proceeds from the event will go to St. Mary’s Hospital to fund breast cancer testing for women. The Redcoat Alumni Band will perform for fans during the game, and there will be an auction for the team’s limited-edition pink jerseys after the game.
Ice Dawgs captain Evan Parente said the game holds more meaning than ever.
“This will be our first Pink in the Rink event at Akins Ford, so we’re all super excited,” Parente said. “In past years, it was a huge hit, and with people pledging money toward every goal we score, we want to put our best foot forward. Playing against Georgia Tech just amplifies that, it’s not only about the rivalry but giving to a good cause.”
Georgia will enter the matchup on a four-game win streak, coming off two-game sweeps of both Auburn and Ole Miss.
Assistant Coach Todd Miller said the game is personal to him, as his wife and two sisters are breast cancer survivors.
“This game hits close to home,” Miller said. “Facing [Georgia] Tech while helping raise funds and awareness for breast cancer, that’s what it’s all about.”
Fans are encouraged to wear pink and attend the “Pink in the Rink” event to support the Ice Dawgs as they take on their in-state rival and support the fight against breast cancer.