Tickled pink

The Minnesota State women's hockey team's "Skate for the Cure" appeared to be a success Thursday night.

All Seasons Arena was decked out in pink for the game against St. Cloud State, proceeds from which went toward breast cancer research and awareness. Both teams wore pink uniforms -- MSU's were grey with pink numbers, stripes and highlights on the purple bull logo, while St. Cloud's were black with pink everywhere the Huskies normally wear red -- Mavericks coach Jeff Vizenor wore a pink shirt and the referees wore pink- and black-striped shirts.

WCHA Assistant Commissioner Carol LaBelle-Ehrhardt, a breast cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for six months, dropped the ceremonial first puck and said the event nearly brought her to tears. She said she hopes the event can go league-wide next year.

"Even if this only touches three people, it's going to mean something," LaBelle-Ehrhardt said.

There was no charge for the game but donations were collected. There was also a raffle and silent auction to raise money for the Minnesota chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

By the way, the Mavericks defeated the Huskies 3-2 in overtime on a Kala Buganski rebound goal.