Autism Speaks Website

TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey team will host an Autism Awareness Game on Friday when Colgate University visits the Houston Field House. Puck drop for this special game is 7pm.

In addition to raising awareness for Autism, the goal of the arrangements for that night is also to make the experience more comfortable for the children with Autism and special needs who are in attendance at the game.

Among the opportunities to help raise awareness that evening is the elimination of music over the sound system as well as the exclusion of the goal horn as those with autism are sensitive to loud music. Additionally, the volume of the public address announcer's microphone will be lowered.

Also, because of sensitivity to bright lights, the video board will not feature flashing displays and the Houston Field House spot lights will have blue bulbs. Blue is the signature color of Autism.

And Rensselaer's coaches will wear Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece lapel pins. The pin is a replica of the Autism Speaks logo. On the back of the pin is the slogan, “Autism Speaks. It's Time to Listen.”

There will also be opportunities for the Albany Autism Society to raise awareness and money. Members of the group will staff a table with information and literature to distribute. And that night's Chuck-a-Puck proceeds will be donated to the Autism Society.

All fans are encouraged to wear blue.

More information about autism can be found at http://www.autismspeaks.org.