The Elmira Sugar Kings are in the pink. Or will be come February 10.
That’s when the team will be hosting a game in support of anti-bullying campaigns, donning pink sweaters and, if the township clears it, tinting the ice to match.
Meeting this week, councillors agreed to waive the rental fee at the Dan Snyder Arena, helping to increase the amount of money that can be donated to the cause. Last year, the Kings raised more than $5,000, with the proceeds going to London Military Family Resource Centre (LMFRC).
As with previous years, the team will be auctioning off the special game-worn sweaters, hockey club director Ron Hackett told councillors meeting Tuesday night.
He also invited councillors to take part in the pre-game ceremonies, extending an invitation to Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht and his provincial counterpart, MPP Michael Harris.
To help spread the word, added Hackett, area schools will be contacted, with free tickets for school kids accompanied by adults who’ve purchased tickets.
Asked by Mayor Todd Cowan how the team planned to tint the ice pink, Hackett said a company specializing in such designs has volunteered to do the work free of charge. As for removing the tinting, he suggested the ice be left in place for the rest of the season as a reminder of the issue.
Getting into the spirit, Coun. Mark Bauman suggested the Kings ask the players not to take stupid penalties that amount to bullying on ice, at least for duration of that game.
The fundraising game is set for February 10 at 2 p.m., when the Sugar Kings take on the Brampton Bombers.
