10th Annual Pink in the Rink at MB Ice Arena

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Chicago Mission AAA Women’s Hockey Club recently hosted its 10th Annual “Pink In The Rink” event at the MB Ice Arena, raising Cancer Awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society to help fight cancer.   This entertaining women’s hockey event included four games with Girls teams ranging from Under-12 to Under 19 age groups.  The event featured personal tributes to those battling cancer along with a memorial for those who have lost their battle.   The event also featured silent auctions, prize raffles, along with apparel sales which helped raise over $44,000.  Over the past 10 years, the event has raised over $320,000.  This year’s event was a huge success with the tremendous support of the many generous sponsors, MB Arena staff and the Chicago Blackhawks.  The Pink In The Rink event games were headlined by a key matchup between the #8 ranked Chicago Mission’s U-19 Team and the #1 ranked Shattuck St Mary’s Prep School from Minnesota.

Founded in 2001, the Chicago Mission Hockey Club is a AAA hockey organization coordinating both girls and boys teams with a devotion to “Help players succeed by giving them the guidance required to flourish in athletics, academics, and life.”  As a testament to their endeavors, 14 NHL draft picks and 8 current NHL players are products of the Chicago Mission’s program.  In addition to the boy’s program success, the women’s program places several players each year at Division 1 hockey programs.  This year’s graduating class features 10 future D1 commits.

With 100% approval from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, MB Ice Arena (1801 w Jackson Blvd), opened its doors on Nov 9th, 2017 to a neighborhood very eager to view this premier, state-of-the-art facility.  Located on the former site of Malcolm X College and also known as the Blackhawks new practice rink,  Mayor Emanuel held a much-anticipated press conference, guiding the media through this innovative sports arena.  MB Ice Arena features two hockey rinks, 10 locker rooms, a weight room, and is highlighted by a restaurant, a coffee shop, a rooftop deck, as well as extra space for public parties.  Chicago Public School students are also accommodated here with classrooms to study health, wellness, and physical education.  At an estimated cost of $65 million, MB Ice Arena boasts 125,000 square feet spread across 11 acres shared by the Blackhawks and Rush University Medical Center, who is now building an ambitious $500 million academic campus.  The Hawks and Rush combined to pay $26.7 million to acquire the land.

Congratulations to Chicago Mission Hockey Directors Gino Cavillini and Tony Cachey, sponsor Coyote Logistics, the Blackhawks, Rush University, and all of those outstanding individuals who made this new, dynamic building on the West side of Chicago possible for future generations to enjoy.

About Jim Wattron

Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, with a degree in Business Administration. Jim has worked with the team from the beginning and he consistently strives for innovation with refreshing topics that inspire readers with context of new adventures and happenings, locally and internationally. Read more from this author.