A Night to Remember: Penn State Altoona Men’s Hockey takes a Stand against Cancer

In a poignant demonstration of unity, the Penn State Altoona Men’s Hockey team came together on January 28, to fight the war against cancer. The gathering was meant for the team’s 6th annual Purple Puck Night hosted at Galactic Ice Rink in Altoona. The event was not only about a hockey match against the Franklin & Marshall College Diplomats but also served as a meaningful tribute to the fighters, survivors and the lost ones battling this dreadful disease.

Uniting for a Cause

The proceedings for the evening inaugurated with a ceremony that extolled those who were personally impacted by the deadly disease. This observance gave a voice to the people like Jill Zimmerman, who unfortunately lost her sister to the disease, giving her a chance to extend her gratitude to the team for pledging their support to the pivotal cause, and expressing her vision for a future devoid of cancer.

Purple Puck Night: A Game Interlaced with Stories of Hope & Struggle

Coach Thomas Lantz echoed the emotional connectivity of the narratives exchanged on the ice. Spearheading with the local businesses, he successfully organized a draw with more than 30 baskets. The earnings garnered from the draw and additional activities were donated to the Mario Lemieux Foundation, Sideline Cancer, and Easter for Eli, showing that the evening was more than just about hockey. The Galactic Ice Rink was used as a social platform intertwining the game with tales of survival, struggle, and hope against the disease.

Taking Centre Stage: Leaders from Non-Profit Organizations

The Purple Puck Night was augmented by the presence of leaders from non-profit organizations, Cathy Griffith and Martin Garrett. As Presidents of Sideline Cancer and Easter for Eli respectively, they shared their personal stories and the action plans their organizations have to support those dealing with the ramifications of cancer. Their heartfelt stories added an extra dimension to the already emotionally charged evening. Collectively, these elements bear witness to the power of community, human spirit, and sportsmanship to rise above a common enemy. The 6th Annual Purple Puck Night stands relation to this truth.