Outlaws' Going Purple for Cancer Awareness
Published on January 26, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Mason City (IA) Grapes, McDonald's Grimace, lilacs, the house of pop musician Prince and the North Iowa Outlaws will all have something in common come this Friday night. They are all associated with the color combination known as purple.
In honor of their first "Put Cancer on Ice" weekend, the Outlaws' players will use purple sticks throughout their January 30th home game versus the Springfield Jr. Blues with a live auction after the game with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. It will be the first time the Outlaws' have played a game with special colored sticks, though the team has developed a tradition of wearing specialty jerseys and auctioning them off.
"This is a promotion we are very excited to put on as it'll be something different that we haven't done before for the fans" said Outlaws' spokesperson Scott Montesano. "It'll be like seeing a bunch of hockey players knocking a puck around with long eggplants so it should be a site to see"
Following the Friday home game, Outlaws' players will be herded out one by one as fans will bid on their favorite player's stick. Winning bids will receive the stick, with an autograph of the player. Purple is the American Cancer Society's official color to designate cancer research, thus the choice of that color.
"Linda (Anderegg) from the Cancer Society wanted us to come up with a way to help them out and since we already do jerseys, we immediately turned to auctioning off the sticks as a way to raise money" added Montesano. "She was the one who came up with the idea of using the color purple since it covers all cancer varities."
The purple sticks are just a part of "Put Cancer on Ice" weekend which will include a silent auction and bake sale during Saturday's game, with proceeds also going to benefit the American Cancer Society.
"The tough part about playing with the purple sticks is if a player goes out there and fires in a hat trick, or has just a great game, pulling that stick away from him for the auction will be like lifting the sword from the stone" joked Outlaws' head coach Jeff Crouse. "Better yet, you would likely see all the guys before the next game with cans of purple paint if they find the color lucky."
The money raised from the auction will stay local through the Relay for Life Campaign, something that has local society spokesperson Linda Anderegg excited. "We've always tried to do a little something with both the high school and the Outlaws, but to have an entire weekend and the purple stick game has us very grateful for all the help. The money will be put to excellent use."
Linda is related to Outlaws' rookie defenseman Robbie Anderegg, one of a handful of relatives Robbie has in North Iowa. Robbie is from Des Moines, IA.
Fans must be present following the January 30th home game to bid on their favorite stick as there will be no pre-bidding or silent auction process. All sticks must be paid for on Friday with either cash, credit or check.
Fall from the Top
North Iowa's disheartening 3-1 loss to the Bismarck Bobcats at home on Sunday dropped the Outlaws out of the Central Division lead for the first time since mid December, ending a month-long run where North Iowa was either tied or in sole position of first place. Granted its only January, with 20-plus games remaining, but for what it's worth, Bismarck controls their own destiny with a two-point lead and one game in hand on the Outlaws.
Bismarck also wins the season series between the teams, taking seven of the 13 meetings, giving them a crucial tiebreaker. If the teams were to finish tied in the standings, the first tiebreaker is overall wins (which can be different due to overtime losses) with the second being head-to-head. Unfortunately for the Outlaws, Bismarck also holds a two-game lead in the loss column.
"No doubt, it was tough to lose because there was plenty of hype and emotion put into the game that it drains you when you lose" said Outlaws' head coach Jeff Crouse. "However, its still only January and there is still so much time that it can't effect our emotion. If we had won, I'd be saying the same thing so it not just putting a positive spin on a negative outcome."
To put it in perspective, Bismarck's magic number to clinch the Central Division regular season title is still a whopping 38.
North Iowa has six games remaining against Albert Lea, while Bismarck has eight.
Nearing a Playoff Spot
The Outlaws' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to five, giving North Iowa a chance to clinch a postseason berth as early as this Saturday night depending on a combination of wins and Albert Lea Thunder losses.
Outlaws Last Week
Sat. Jan. 24th vs. Albert Lea 6-2 Win
Sun. Jan. 25th vs. Bismarck 1-3 Win
Outlaws This Week
Fri. Jan. 30th vs. Springfield 7:30pm
Sat. Jan. 31st vs. Springfield 7:30pm
The North Iowa Outlaws Hockey Club is in its fourth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33nd year of operation. For more information, visit northiowaoutlaws.com or call (641) 424-5468.
Outlaws home games are played at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, IA. All games will be broadcasted on northiowaoutlaws.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 26, 2009
- Wins Keep Coming for Traverse City - NAHL
- RoadRunners Win On Saturday - Topeka Pilots
- RoadRunner Honored by NAHL - Topeka Pilots
- Phantoms Lend a Hand at St. Patrick's Relay for Life - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Wildcats Play Four, Plus Top Prospects Tournament - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Outlaws' Going Purple for Cancer Awareness - North Iowa Outlaws
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
