Pinks

The Icers face their toughest test of the season this weekend with the fourth-ranked Delaware Blue Hens in town for two important games that could have a huge impact on the second half of the season.

Putting aside the importance of the on-ice result, this is also an important weekend for another reason.

Saturday is "Pink at the Rink" day, when the Icers will don their rather unique third sweaters.  Sorry, but I can't give up my Canadian roots.  A jersey is a cow!

Anyway, you may or may not know that Penn State's original colors were pink and black.  From the Penn State Athletics website:

A three-member committee representing the sophomore, junior and senior classes was appointed in October of 1887 to develop color options from which the student body would select the school's official colors. Dark pink and black was the unanimous choice of the student body after considering the color combinations presented by the committee.

Soon many students and the baseball team were sporting pink and black striped blazers and caps. However, problems arose when the pink faded to white after several weeks of exposure to the sun. The students then opted for blue, rather than black, and white. The official announcement of the new choice was made on March 18, 1890.

Flash forward 120 years, and the Icers will be honoring history and a very important cause.  The game-worn sweaters will be auctioned off, with bidding taking place during Saturday's game.  A portion of the proceeds from the auction will support the Penn State Business Services Relay for Life team.

You can bid on your favorite sweater even if you're not at the game.  Here's how it works:

1. Email Marci Palmer before noon on Saturday.
2. Indicate your maximum bid and which sweater(s) you are bidding on.
3. A Hockey Management Association member will do your bidding, up to the maximum specified in your email.
4. Sit back, enjoy the game on UStream and wait to learn if your bid for the autographed sweater is the winner.

Speaking of sweaters, I have to tip  my cap to the Blue Hens.

Friday's game was Armed Forces and Military Appreciation Night.  The Delaware players wore special camouflage sweaters in support of military families.

I hope they don't bring those sweaters this weekend.  I'm not sure my eyes and our camera will be able to adjust to camo and pink at the rink!