TROY, N.Y. – In addition to two critical ECAC Hockey contests this weekend, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team will host a number of special events in conjunction with the games, including Pink at the Rink, the Annual Alumnae Game, a ceremony to honor the 1994 National Club Championship team, and Senior Appreciation Day.

Among the festivities around Friday's night's game against Cornell University is the 2nd Annual Pink at the Rink in conjunction with Coaches vs. Cancer to help raise awareness in the fight against cancer. As part of the program, RPI's players will don special pink stick wraps and each wrap, along with ties and scarves worn by the head coach and assistant coaches, will be available for purchase at http://ecachockeycoachesvscancer.com/.  

Other fundraising activities on Friday include a 50-50 raffle, an auction for a pink stick autographed by the Engineers team, and the sale of pink rubber wrist bands. Handcrafted pink bracelets will also be available. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

A family skate at noon at the Houston Field House kicks off Saturday's activities, followed by the 2009 Alumnae Game, which begins at 1pm. A reception will follow the contest.

Prior to RPI's game, which begins at 4pm against Colgate University, Rensselaer will recognize the 1993-94 club program on the 15th anniversary of its National Club Championship. Various members of that squad will be presented commemorative gifts during a pre-game ceremony.

At the conclusion of Saturday's game, RPI's six seniors and their families will be recognized. The Class of 2009 marks the first group of student-athletes to have played four years of Division I women's ice hockey at Rensselaer. Under their leadership the Engineers have made the post-season twice out of three eligible years, including this season.

A reception and dinner will be held to complete the day.

Rensselaer (14-13-4; 9-8-3 ECAC Hockey) currently sits in seventh place in the league, just two points behind Clarkson University and two points ahead of Friday's opponent, Cornell. The Engineers clinched their spot in the post-season last weekend and could climb as high as fifth place in the final league standings.

For those unable to make the games, which are free and open to the public, both contests will be available via webcast through B2Networks. Additionally, live statistics will be available at http://www.sidearmstats.com/rpi/whockey/. Saturday's game will also be broadcast live on WRPI, 91.5 FM, and www.wrpi.org.