SCHENECTADY, NY - Union College will be hosting two cancer awareness events this weekend. The women's ice hockey team will host the third annual 'Pink at the Rink' on Friday, Feb. 13, when the Dutchwomen face Dartmouth at Messa Rink at 7 p.m. The men's and women's basketball teams will host the “NCAA Take a Kid to the Game Day” this Saturday, February 13, as the Union women's and men's basketball teams host Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at the Viniar Athletic Center. The women's game is at 2 p.m. and the men's contest is at 4 p.m. Saturday's women's game is "Think Pink Day" with donations accepted for cancer awareness.

At "Pink at the Rink" on Friday, admission is free to fans who make a donation to the American Cancer Society, and donations will be collected in the main lobby. In addition to making a donation, fans can purchase raffle tickets to win prizes such as a $100 in declining balance for Union Dollars and Union hockey gear.

Fans will also be able to participate in 'Chuck a Puck.' By tossing a puck to a pink ribbon target on the ice, the puck closest to the target will win a Nintendo Wii Console and $100 J. Crew gift card.

The Dutchwomen will be selling raffle tickets, pink bracelets, pink ribbons and T-shirts all week at the Reamer Campus Center. Times are from 12-2 p.m.

"I am excited to have Pink at the Rink return to Union," head women's ice hockey coach Claudia Asano said. "Our team has done such a tremendous job in the past at supporting the cause. I look forward to a great evening on Friday night and I hope we get support from the community."

Fans are also encouraged to wear pink to the game to support the cause. Pink at the Rink is a variation of the traditional Coaches vs. Cancer program that provides critical outreach, while raising funds in support of the American Cancer Society's lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy and community service.

In the past two seasons, Union College's women's ice hockey team has raised nearly $16,000 for the American Cancer Society.

In the 2008-09 season, Asano and the Dutchwomen players were affected personally when volunteer assistance coach and friend of the program George Morrison lost his battle with brain cancer.

"The support from the fans is so important and will add to the atmosphere of the game," Asano said. "It means a great deal to me because I have lost both my mother and our volunteer George Morrison to cancer."

In addition, Saturday's women's basketball game features "Think Pink Day," for breast cancer awareness and fund raising for the cause. Donations will be accepted in the lobby and all proceeds will benefit Debroah Cianfarani, a long time employee at Union College. Deborah has been employed at Union since 1992, and had worked in the Athletic Department before moving to the Department of Financial Aid.

Union features free admission to all regular season home basketball games. The event features free brochures and members of the Dutchwomen and Dutchmen will autograph programs for the kids after each game. Other giveaways will also be available for kids for this special promotional day.

"Our players and staff definitely wanted to participate in the 'Think Pink Day' that is going on nationally," commented Union women's basketball head coach Mary Ellen Burt. "We decided this year to support a friend and Union family member in Deb Cianfirani, who is battling cancer. Deb worked in our department for many years and has been with the financial aid department the past few years. Deb's positive attitude in everything in her life has made her a remarkable woman. We are happy to help support her fight in our small but heartfelt way."

Saturday will also feature "Senior Day" for both teams. Prior to the women's game, Union seniors Megan Clark, Talitha Linden-Darrow and Rachel Titcomb will be recognized. Before the men's game tips off, Union senior Joey Lokitis will be honored.