Pink in the rink

Who says tough guys can’t wear pink? The Iowa Wild hopes to continue its winning ways of late in an American Hockey League (AHL) tilt against Grand Rapids this Friday, Feb. 12 at Wells Fargo Arena.

Iowa Wild players will be wearing jerseys that will be auctioned off as part of the team’s Pink in the Rink game on Feb. 12.

But this contest will be a little different, a bit more colorful; it is a game the Wild will play…. in pink.

When the puck drops at 7 p.m., the Wild won’t be dressed in its standard white and green home jerseys. Instead, they’ll be in pink — and proudly so.

In an effort to continue to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer, the Wild organization has once again teamed up with the Susan G. Komen of Iowa Foundation for Pink in the Rink, a unique night in which the Wild will abandon their usual garb for specially themed pink jerseys.

“We started it in (the first year), and it’s a common practice for hockey teams to partner with non-profits to help raise awareness and funds to support them,” said Josh Fisher, senior director of digital content and communications. “The first one took place in 2014, followed with another in 2015.”

Fisher said the effort is one of the many ongoing community outreach programs the organization participates in.

Fans can be part of the colorful display, too. The game is a pink-out, so fans are asked to dress appropriately. The first 1,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a free pink T-shirt courtesy of KISS 107.5, Universal Printing and Susan G. Komen of Iowa Foundation. Following the game, a live jersey auction benefiting Susan G. Komen of Iowa will be held. Auction winners get a one-on-one meeting with the player, an autograph and a picture.

The team has raised more than $66,000 for cancer research in each of the past two seasons. The highest grossing jersey in team history was Erik Haula’s in 2014, which fetched $5,000. Forward Marc Hagel’s jersey generated $2,000 in last year’s postgame auction.

But that’s not all. There will also be a special recognition of breast cancer survivors, a ceremonial survivor puck drop, a shootout challenge featuring survivors and a special lighting ceremony highlighting breast cancer awareness.

Iowa Wild President Todd Fredrickson said the organization takes pride in being able to lend a hand in the fight against the disease.

“The Iowa Wild is proud to partner with Susan G. Komen of Iowa for the third straight year with our annual Pink in the Rink night”, said Frederickson. “The past two seasons have set the bar pretty high in terms of donations and attendance. It means a lot for the Wild organization to lend a hand in our community through our fundraising efforts and help give back to central Iowa. It’s difficult to find someone who has not been affected by any type of cancer, and finding a cure remains a top priority. We take pride in helping raise awareness and funds to support that cause.”

For those who would like to contribute to the cause on a greater scale, Pink in the Rink packages are available to help the Wild provide tickets for breast cancer fighters and survivors to attend the game. Packages range from $100 to $2,500, but donations of any amount are welcome, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen of Iowa.

So if you’re looking to add some color to your life this Friday, stop by Wells Fargo Arena and support the Iowa Wild, and, equally as important, a great cause.

Bring the family…. in pink. CV

Pink in the Rink

Iowa Wild vs. Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 12
Wells Fargo Arena, 7 p.m.