The Superior Jaycees plan to fill Wessman Arena with pink ... both off and on the ice.
As part of a "Pink the Rink" campaign to boost awareness of breast cancer while raising money for a cure, the lady Yellowjackets will don the cheery color Saturday for their game against Lake Forest. A week later, the UWS men's team will go pink to battle Stevens Point on the ice.
"I just can't imagine these guys in pink jerseys," said Jaycee member Shauna Porter. "It's going to be interesting."
Although it's a color he's never before worn, senior Ryan Kuntz is looking forward to slipping on a pink jersey Feb. 7.
"It's a good cause and I think it'll add a little more humor to the game of hockey," he said. "They say you should only wear pink on special occasions."
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Fellow senior Rob Turville said it will "add a little extra" but won't change the game plan.
"Every point counts, every game counts, pink jerseys or no pink jerseys," he said.
But, Kuntz added, "It'd be nice to beat them in pink jerseys; hopefully they underestimate us."
The collector's edition jerseys worn by players will be sold through silent auctions during the games, with a minimum bid start at $100. The proceeds will benefit breast cancer research at SMDC. In addition, a dollar from every ticket purchased for the games and proceeds from Pink the Rink merchandise will also aid the cause.
Steve Kirk, Jaycee member and assistant director of campus recreation for UWS, proposed the idea.
"I just thought it would be something neat to do for the teams and the community," he said. It offered both a chance to "bring people into the game for a good time and hopefully raise some money for a cure."
Many junior and division 1 teams "Pink the Rink," Kirk said, but UWS will be one of the first division 3 colleges to do so. He mentioned the event to Jaycees President Jason Laurvick, who offered to join the team.
"That's when the Jaycees hopped on board and made it happen," Kirk said.
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Although the organization holds many fund raising events a year, "Pink the Rink" brought new sponsors to the team -- SMDC, National Bank of Commerce, Play It Again Sports, Murphy Oil and Great Clips.
Breast cancer impacts a great number of people in the region, said Bruce Thompson, executive vice president of NBC. Pairing a fundraiser with a marquee event like UWS hockey gives it great visibility, he said. That could motivate people.
"The whole key is early detection and saving lives," Thompson said.
Chris Stenberg, owner of Play It Again Sports, was quick to join as a sponsor.
"I think it's a great idea; it's an awesome event," he said. It touches many aspects of his life. Stenberg played hockey at Superior High School. He later graduated from UWS with a degree in business administration. His store, which provides hockey equipment, works closely with UWS.
And he has seen cancer strike members of his family.
"Everybody is affected by this," Stenberg said.
Those attending the games are encouraged to wear pink to support the cause.
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The lady Jackets take to the ice at 2 p.m. Saturday. The UWS men's game starts at 7:05 p.m. Feb. 7. Bidding for jerseys begins at 1 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Feb. 7 and ends 15 minutes after game time. For more information, call Kirk at (715) 394-8361.
