‘Pink the Rink’
Published: Friday, February 22, 2013
Updated: Sunday, February 24, 2013 16:02
On Winter Homecoming Weekend, Holy Cross hosted many events to support breast cancer research. One such event was the men’s hockey game vs. the University of Connecticut. Holy Cross hosted its 4th annual Pink the Rink as the players sported pink jerseys, which were auctioned off to support breast cancer research. Although the fundraising efforts were a success, the team could not defeat Connecticut for the 2nd night in a row and lost the game 4 to 1.
Even though the team, 15-11-2 (11-8-2 in Atlantic Hockey), could not pull off the victory, there were still many highlights during the game. Randi Nunn, the mother of Holy Cross senior Brandon Nunn, ‘13 and breast cancer survivor, dropped the ceremonial first puck. Robin Batchelder, another breast cancer survivor, sung the national anthem. Brandon Nunn, who started a program called Power Play Points for Pink last season, presented a check for $6,500 to support Pink Revolution. This program, which raises money every time either the men’s or women’s team scores on the power play, has raised about $18,000 so far this season. In addition to this generous contribution, there was a jersey auction of the pink jerseys the players wore. The auction alone raised $5,655 for breast cancer research. Brandon Nunn, reflecting on wearing the pink jerseys, said, “Wearing the pink jerseys was not much different than wearing our regular jerseys, but it was pretty special putting them on, knowing we were wearing them to raise money for a great cause, one that has affected many family members of our present team, and past teammates as well.”
Pink the Rink was certainly a re sounding success, but will the Holy Cross men’s team continue their success? They have received votes to be in the top 20 nationally and even jumped into the top 20 rankings once. That was the first time they had been ranked since 2005-2006. Brandon Nunn, who scored the lone Holy Cross goal, remarked, “I am very confident about our team’s chances to secure a first round bye in Atlantic hockey. We are currently tied for 4th place (the top 4 teams get a bye) but we have 2 games in hand on everyone else. We need to win those games and we will be in great shape.” The 2 games in hand are the two games against Sacred Heart, which were snowed out because of Winter Storm Nemo.
Although the team split this past week, they have an opportunity to rebound with only 6 games remaining. Atlantic Hockey is a tough conference with so many teams fighting for a first round bye. The remaining Holy Cross games are two against Sacred Heart, AIC, and Army. The key for Holy Cross’ continued success, according to Nunn, is their consistency. He says, “We need to find a way to put together back to back nights of complete, 60 minute hockey games, and if we do that, we will be very tough to beat, as we have proven by beating all of the top teams in our conference.”
Be sure to support the Holy Cross hockey team as they fight for home ice advantage in round 2 of the Atlantic Hockey Playoffs!
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