LSSU Lakers go Pink in the Rink

It will be “Pink in the Rink” when the Lake Superior State hockey team takes on Robert Morris in a non-conference hockey series at Taffy Abel Arena. The hockey series will run in conjunction with a women’s health event featuring local vendors, prizes and a free Skate with the Lakers following Saturday’s game. The Lakers (3-4-3) play Robert Morris at 7:05 p.m. Friday and 5:05 p.m. Saturday. Both games will be broadcast live on Rock 101 FM with a free audio webcast on www.rock101.net. A pay-per-view video webcast is available on the B2 network via www.lssulakers.com. Stan and Ann Jakaitis came up with the “Pink in the Rink” idea in order to thank the Sault Ste. Marie community for their kindness towards their son, former Laker goaltender Jeff Jakaitis, when he played at LSSU. Ann is a breast cancer survivor. Several volunteers, including Danna Sanderson of Leitz Sports Center, Julia Roque, Dave Thomas, local media outlets and LSSU staff members, helped the idea blossom into a unique event. All 24 vendors in the rink this weekend are raffling off a gift basket. Fans who attend Friday’s game will receive one free raffle ticket, and additional tickets will be sold both nights. Custom Laker hockey jerseys with the breast cancer ribbon will be sold during a silent auction, and bids on the jerseys will close at the start of the third period Saturday. Other special features of the weekend series include “Pink in the Rink” t-shirts for sale, pink popcorn and pink chocolate chip cookies, and free refills on pop with the purchase of a pink souvenir cup. A free goodie bag will be given to the first 500 women to arrive at Saturday’s game. Souvenir team photos of the Lakers wearing their pink jerseys will be available, and LSSU players will sign autographs during the Skate with the Lakers. All “Pink in the Rink” proceeds will be donated to local women’s organization and health care providers. The Lakers, who are playing three of their next four series at home, are taking a break from Central Collegiate Hockey Association action when they take on College Hockey of America opponent Robert Morris. They are 2-0 all-time against the Colonials, having swept them during a home series in 2005-06. Last weekend, the Lakers picked up one point in the CCHA standings after tying ninth-ranked Notre Dame 3-3 on Friday and losing 5-2 on Saturday. Two of their last three games have gone to a shootout, and they suffered a 2-1 shootout loss last Friday. LSSU is 3-3-2 and tied for fourth in the CCHA with nine points.