Fredonia hockey team going pink to support cancer research

By: JOHN WAWROW - Associated Press | Thursday, February 7, 2008 7:36 PM PST ∞

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Pink is in for the Fredonia State men's -- that's right, men's -- hockey team.

For one game, on Friday against Division III rival Cortland State, the Blue Devils will become the "Men in Pink," wearing pink jerseys and matching socks, to raise awareness for breast cancer research.

"I'll be honest with you, I wasn't expecting them to be as bright as they were. They're bright," assistant coach Greg Heffernan said, recalling when the special-order uniforms first arrived. "And the best part of it is, that's definitely making a statement."

And a colorful one at that as Fredonia -- 50 miles south of Buffalo -- joins most every school across the country by taking part in this weekend's NCAA-sponsored promotion to raise both money and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

"We might get termed the `Pink Devils' for the game," Heffernan said. "But that would be fine by us."

The idea was Heffernan's, who is also a sports management professor at the school, and whose mother, Jane, is a breast-cancer survivor. Heffernan first broached the plan to head coach Jeff Meredith, who immediately got on board, and then had it developed further as a class project.

As part of the promotion, pink T-shirts and breast cancer awareness ribbons will be sold. Following the game, a limited number of jerseys will be sold by silent auction, with the proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.

Heffernan is accepting bids by e-mail through the school's Web site, and is impressed by the number he's received after word spread this week about the pink jerseys. The Blue Devils, and their plan to go pink, were featured during a Buffalo Sabres TV broadcast this week, and on U.S. College Hockey's Web site.

"We were trying to find the uniqueness in the event," said Heffernan. "And I think we've really done a nice job with creating something that's different."

The New Mexico State Aggies football team wore pink socks and ribbons on their helmets against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in September, while the U.S. women's soccer team wore pink jerseys during a game against Canada in May.

Heffernan, who's not aware of any other college men's hockey team to wear pink jerseys, intends to have the Blue Devils play a "Pink" game annually.

The new colors don't bother freshman forward Jordan Oye, even though his father is traveling from Vancouver to see Oye play for the first time at college.

"I have told me dad about the pink jersey, and he's kind of excited to see what they look like," Oye said. "But he's also excited that my team is doing something for the community. And I'm happy to play a part."

As for whether the dainty color might affect Oye's game in what can sometimes be a very rugged sport?

"It is going to be unusual trying to be tough in a pink jersey. But, I'm not that tough to begin with," Oye said with a chuckle.

Heffernan said the color of the team's jersey shouldn't be an issue.

"Hey, if the color of our jersey really dictates how we're going to perform, we've got bigger issues to worry about," Heffernan said. "The truth of the matter is, everybody that participates, everybody that donates is a winner in this event. This is a win-win regardless of the scoreboard."