By Lindsay Brash - CyclonesHockey.com Contributor

Pink! It’s a color not often associated with hockey but this Friday night at U.S. Bank Arena, the Cincinnati Cyclones and their fans will see pink at the annual Pink in the Rink Night in support of breast cancer awareness. The Cyclones, who host the Trenton Titans, will don specially made pink jerseys and play on a freshly painted pink ice. This year’s event, which has a unique place in the hearts of the players, benefits the Pink Ribbon Girls.

A Special Connection

Cyclones Goalie Brad Fogal is all too familiar with the struggles that breast cancer brings to families. Fogal’s aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and after a successful mastectomy, has been in remission since.

“My aunt is really very close to me and it was really something that hit us quite quick,” said Fogal. “She is a very strong lady and didn’t tell anybody until the day before her surgery. She kept it to herself and battled through it.”

Fogal’s strong relationship with his aunt started when he was little. To this day he honors her fight at every game with a pink ribbon he had painted on his helmet.

The decision to put the ribbon on his goalie mask was a no brainer for Fogal. The ribbon has not only allowed him to recognize breast cancer fighters but has helped him keep hockey in perspective.

“It just reminds me everyday, when I come to the rink and put on the mask. Even though some days it’s hard to get in the mood to practice or play, people out there are battling a lot more difficult things then playing hockey for their career,” said Fogal.

Fogal’s special connection with Pink in the Rink Night is not unique, because the event is important to to many players and the ECHL. With 1 in 8 women diagnosed over the course of their lifetime, breast cancer has touched many people’s lives.

“If you ask everyone around the league they either know somebody {who has had breast cancer}, it’s three degrees of separation; it has touched everyone,” said Fogal.

To the players in the league, the Pink in the Rink Night is a great way to raise awareness for the cause. Fogal said that players on both the home and the visiting team truly appreciate all the fans that come out to the came and support people who have battled cancer. To them, it is the fans that make the night so special.

Creating a Bond with Breast Cancer Fighters

Every year, the jerseys worn by the players during the Pink in the Rink Night are auctioned off with proceeds going to a local Breast Cancer charity. This year’s charity is Pink Ribbon Girls.

Tracie Metzger founded Pink Ribbon Girls in October 2001. At the young age of 30 with two children to take care of, Metzger found herself battling breast cancer. During her battle, Metzger realized there wasn’t a place geared to young women fighting the disease. She was able to meet two other young women and together they become vital parts in each other’s recovery.

“When we all finished our treatment, we thought there has to be other young girls in Cincinnati that are diagnosed and how can we help the way we have been able to help each other,” said Metzger

The mission of Pink Ribbon Girls is to give support to young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. They offer services like babysitting and transportation to and from treatment, which Metzger wished was available to her during her battle.

Last year, the Cincinnati Cyclones were looking for a new partner for Pink in the Rink. Having already worked with Pink Ribbon Girls during their 5K run in October, they approached Metzger with the idea of teaming up to make the event another success.

“When they came to me with the opportunity to sponsor Pink in the Rink, it just seemed like a perfect fit,” said Metzger. “They get to wear pink jerseys and they are really trying to raise a lot of awareness to the importance of breast cancer in young women.”

The auction of the Cyclones jerseys is a key aspect of the event that will be a great help to Pink Ribbon Girls. “Anytime you can get involved in an event where you can raise funds and awareness, that is an invaluable relationship,” said Metzger. “More than anything, I am looking at it as an opportunity for people in the community who may not know about breast cancer or what I do, to learn what I do.”

This year’s event brings together breast cancer fighters, players with a deep connection to the disease and fans. An event like Pink on the Rink will continue to be instrumental in helping the many families facing the fight against cancer.

Friday’s Pink in the Rink Night officially gets underway at 7:30pm at U.S. Bank Arena!  Great tickets are still available by calling 513.421.PUCK!