PSU ALTOONA PRESENTS COLLEGE HOCKEY COMBATS CANCER "PURPLE PUCK NIGHT" CHARITY GAME NOVEMBER 30

Monday, November 12, 2018

On Friday November 30th, 2018, PSU Altoona and College Hockey East have teamed together with a Hat-Trick of partners, which include the Mario Lemieux Foundation, The Griffith Family Foundation, and THON for "College Hockey Combats Cancer" Campaign. The Nittany Lions will play host to Saint Vincent Bearcats in an effort to raise funds and awareness in the battle against cancer. So what is it? Our newest partner is the Mario Lemieux Foundation, and Jordan Curry, who is the program coordinator for the foundation which puts her in charge of events like the "Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6K" and the "Mario Lemieux Fantasy Camp". Their foundation's biggest area of need is to connect to a younger generation of hockey fans who know Mario Lemieux was a great hockey player but do not necessarily know his entire story, particularly his battle with cancer. Our second partner is The Griffith Family Foundation, and Cathy Griffith and her signature initiative, which is "SIDELINE CANCER". The history of the Griffith Family Foundation is a tragic but inspiring chapter in the story of Greg and Cathy Griffith. Greg passed at the age 50 after a heroic 19-month battle. When he was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic and liver cancer in the prime of his life, he was told that time was limited. However, on hearing his diagnosis, he said to his doctor "What can Cathy and I do to help you?" Since 2012 the "Sideline Cancer Campaign" has raised over $260,000 to create awareness and find a cure for pancreatic cancer. Finally, our third partner that teams with the Lions is THON (FTK) For The Kids. THON is student run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Since its inception, THON has helped over 4000 families, raised $157,000,000 dollars and over 16500 student volunteers. The evening will kick off with a ceremony to SUPPORT those who are fighting the disease, to CELEBRATE those who have beaten the disease, and to HONOR the families who have lost someone to cancer. Intermission activities will include a mini scrimmage between The Trackers Hockey teams (promoting Lemieux's message to hockey fans of all ages). Between the second and third periods, PSU students will have a chance to win Penn State Hockey tickets. Fans will also have the chance to win Pittsburgh Penguin tickets (donated by Mike Magee, PSU Altoona Ice hockey assistannt coach). There will be several raffle baskets, t-shirts, commemorative pucks, a PK Subban jersey (donated by former hockey manager Bridgette DaSilva and the Nashville Predators Organization), artwork by Tammy Stubbs, and Pittsburgh Penguin tickets (donated by former hockey manager Cortney Dlubak and family). Finally, there will be an auction for an autographed hockey stick by Pittsburgh Penguin draftee and Hollidaysburg's own Sam Lafferty. So come out and support the Nittany Lions for "Purple Puck Night" on Friday November 30 at 5:00 PM and help College Hockey Combat Cancer.