"Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer" takes place over the next three weekends

Wakefield, Mass. - Hockey East Associate Commissioner Kathy Wynters announced on Tuesday that the league will host its seventh Annual "Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer" over the next three weekends of league play. Eight games at each of the WHEA campuses have been designated as "Skating Strides" games. All eight teams in WHEA will participate. Special events are planned for each arena, including ceremonial puck drops, check presentations, raffles and silent auctions. Entering its seventh season, the Hockey East Skating Strides program has raised nearly $200,000 toward the fight against breast cancer, including a record $45,215 total in 2012.

Skating Strides against Breast Cancer was developed to both raise money and create awareness in the fight against the devastating disease, while at the same time, allow the student-athletes the opportunity to give back to the communities in which they study and play hockey. Charitable donations have been made by Skating Strides to the Friends of Mel Foundation, who in turn, distributes funds throughout New England. Organizations benefitting from Skating Strides fundraising include the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in Lewiston, Maine; the Gloria Gemma Foundation in Providence, RI; the Vermont Cancer Center; Necessity Bags in CT; and the Ellie Fund.

"The WHEA coaches had an idea back in 2005 to come up with an event that would create interest in, and awareness of, our sport, and also provide a charitable component", said Wynters. "We have formed a wonderful partnership with the Friends of Mel Foundation, and Hockey East's Skating Strides program has grown beyond our wildest dreams. We are so appreciative to all of the coaches, student-athletes, athletic department staffers, and our fans for their support." Wynters continued, "In seven short years, Skating Strides has really taken on a life of its own, and the competition among the schools seems to intensify each year. I can hardly wait to see what each of the teams has up their sleeves for 2013."

The events kickoff this Sunday, January 20 with No. 10 Northeastern hosting Providence College from Matthews Arena (2pm) live on ESPN3. The events will conclude on Saturday, February 2 as Maine entertains Boston College at Alfond Arena.

In addition to the eight women's programs, four men's teams will join the effort to raise money with special events scheduled at each of their respective arenas during the month of January and early February.