Pink in the Rink - Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2023
Contact:
Brian Klanow
Head Coach, OLSM Boys Varsity Hockey
Director, St. Mary’s Athletic Complex
(248) 392-9454
ORCHARD LAKE, MICHIGAN – The 1st Annual Pink in the Rink Hockey Cancer Awareness Fundraiser, featuring three hockey games, takes to the pink ice on Saturday, February 11, 2023, inside the St. Mary’s Athletic Complex (SMAC). Thanks to the team efforts of Orchard Lake
St. Mary’s (OLSM) and the Orchard Lake United (OLU) hockey programs, in conjunction with Brother Rice Hockey, the teams will play for a very important cause – fighting cancer and honoring those who’ve battled the disease.
At each of the three hockey games, the athletes will wear special jerseys featuring names of those loved ones who have courageously battled cancer – for their families, the victims and the survivors. Admission is $5.00 per person. Those who wish to donate to one of the fundraiser’s three designated charities can do so via a donation box at the event or give directly by visiting one of the following websites:
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center – karmanos.org
- U of M Rogel Cancer Center for Brain Tumors – rogelcancercenter.org
- Beaumont Children’s Skandalaris Family Center for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders – beaumont.org/locations/skandalaris-family-center
The Pink in the Rink three-game schedule is as follows:
- 3:00 PM – OLSM JV White vs. Trenton JV
- 5:00 PM – OLSM JV Red vs. Brother Rice JV
- 7:30 PM – OLSM Varsity vs. Brother Rice Varsity
At 7:30 PM, St. Mary’s and Brother Rice Varsity players will participate in a ceremonial skate focusing on “I Skate For” and “I Wear Pink For.” All those in attendance are encouraged to fill out a name on the “I Wear Pink For” signs to hold up during the ceremonial skate. The ceremonial puck drop will honor the memory or survivor of a few of the OLSM and Brother Rice players of each of the three games.
OLSM is inducting Eric Roman (OLSM Class of 2005) into their Hockey Hall of Fame during the first intermission of the varsity game. The alumnus is a former varsity player and two-time captain. “He is a true man of St. Mary’s,” said Brian Klanow, Director of the St. Mary’s Athletic Complex and Head Coach of OLSM Varsity Hockey.
Other fundraising efforts include a silent auction, a 50/50 PINK ticket drawing during the second intermission of each of the three OLSM games. Winners of both the 50/50 WHITE ticket all-day drawing and a GOLD ticket drawing, with a chance to win a 7-day trip to Cabo San Lucas, will be announced during the varsity game second intermission (need not be present to win).
Special thanks to the following sponsors: Busch’s, Crispelli’s, Dairy Queen, English Gardens, Farmer John’s, Premiere Travel Services (Nicole Grzanka), and Seman’s Services Painting Specialists. For additional event information, contact the St. Mary’s Athletic Complex office at (248) 392-9454.