Women's hockey skates to support breast cancer cure

The Norwich University women's hockey team played a recent game in honor of a worthwhile cause. The event got the players, fans and even the opponent involved.

The team wore pink jerseys in its game against Saint Michael's College Friday, Jan. 29. Donations were accepted for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and admission to the game was free. Fans were encouraged to wear something pink to get involved in the positive action, and many did.

The foundation is a global leader for finding a cure for breast cancer. One of the main things the foundation says it focuses on is empowering people. At Kreitzberg Arena, the women's hockey team got the message and was empowering support of this cause.

Team captain and senior Sophie Leclerc, 23, a physical education major from Barre, Vt., said supporting the breast cancer cause is great. "Everyone is somehow connected to someone that has breast cancer, or someone that has had breast cancer," Leclerc said.

"I've known people with breast cancer and I think it is important that we show support," said Suzanne Whitaker, a 20-year-old sophomore communications major from Chelmsford, Mass. Whitaker plays center for the Cadets.

According to Chiara Traversa, 21, a sophomore business management major from Torino, Italy, something like this wouldn't be likely to happen in Italy. "People talk about having organizations, but no one really does anything about it at home," Traversa said. "Having a game that supports breast cancer is awesome."

"It's something that's really fun to be a part of," Leclerc said. "It was exciting for us to be able to support the cause just by wearing pink jerseys," Whitaker said.

"I think doing things like this definitely helps out the cause and the awareness of breast cancer. People think, ‘Oh it won't happen to me'," said Sarah Scardino, 22, a junior communications major from Stoughton, Mass.

"It was great to look up in the stands and see fans supporting the cause of breast cancer, and realizing that it is a big deal."

The Cadets beat the Purple Knights of Saint Michael's College 6-0. Goals came from Sophie Leclerc, Jaclyn Perez, Julie Fortier, Ashley Cassan, Amanda Wilks and Danielle Del Dotto. Goaltender Chiara Traversa recorded a shutout.

The Cadets have improved their record to 13-4-3 overall and 11-3-2 for the Eastern College Athletic Conference East. And they have recently been ranked number three in the ECAC East.

The Cadets faced Salve Regina on Friday, Feb. 5 in Rhode Island, winning 5-1, but lost to Manhattanville at home on Feb. 7, 7-2.