Women's Hockey | 2/1/2012 3:45:00 PM

ROCHESTER, NY – For the second time in the last three years, Rochester Institute of Technology hockey fans will be asked to put away their orange Tiger apparel on Feb. 10-11. Instead, they are asked to “Make the Rink Pink” in an effort to cure cancer.

RIT men's and women's hockey teams are working with Zeta Tau Alpha sorority to raise money to cure cancer. Both teams will don pink jerseys that will be auctioned off in the fund-raiser, while fans can also purchase pink T-shirts.

Tiger jerseys are currently being auctioned off online with bidding ending at 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13. Bidding begins at $150 per jersey. All proceeds will be donated evenly between Rochester General Hospital's Lipson Cancer Center and Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. The women's jerseys will be worn in a game vs. No. 4 Elmira at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 The following night, the men's team will wear their pink jerseys when they face off against Canisius at 7:05 p.m.

“We are excited to be a part of this great event and raise money for cancer research,” says RIT men's hockey coach #Wayne Wilson#. “This is a great chance to give back to the Greater Rochester community.”

The men are fighting for the top seed in the Atlantic Hockey Association standings. RIT is currently tied for third, two points out of the top spot. The women are currently third in the ECAC West Standings a point behind Elmira and three behind Plattsburgh. Two wins this weekend would put the Tigers in the driver's seat for the top seed in the ECAC West Tournament, which will be held March 3-4.

All fans can be a part of the action by purchasing a pink T-shirt from Zeta Tau Alpha sorority for $10, starting Feb. 6 in RIT's Student Alumni Union. T-shirts will also be available at Ritter Arena on game day. Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will benefit the ZTA Foundation and Rochester General Hospital.

“A lot of people are affected by breast cancer'” says RIT women's hockey head coach #Scott McDonald#. “We are happy to support a great cause and help raise cancer awareness in the Rochester area.”

On Jan. 30, 2010, Zeta Tau Alpha teamed up with the RIT men's and women's hockey teams in the “Pink Rink” event, where Ritter Arena transformed into a sea of pink. Pink Tiger jerseys (25 men, 21 women) were auctioned off and along with t-shirt sales, reached $21,248, which went to the Lipson Cancer Center and Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation.

“Zeta Tau Alpha is once again honored to be a part of Make the Rink Pink,” says Zeta Tau Alpha President Jenna Deutsch. “We hope that this year is an even bigger success than in 2010 and look forward to an unforgettable weekend.“

The fundraiser, drawing more than 3,000 fans for both games, also served as an example of the partnership between RIT and Rochester General Health System. The institutions created a strategic alliance in 2009.

Admission is free for the women's game. Tickets are available for the men's game at the Gordon Field House and Activities Center Box Office or by phone at (585) 475-4121. Fans can also purchase tickets via ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for RIT faculty, staff and alumni and $5 for students with ID. Fans can also buy special reserved seats in Section 100 or 101 for $13 (adults), $11 (faculty/staff/alumni) or $8 (students). Buying a reserved section ticket will guarantee you a seat for the game. Get your tickets in advance to avoid getting shut out.