A group of Senators players will use pink-coloured hockey sticks as part of the pre-game warm-up on Saturday against Buffalo. The sticks will be auctioned off with proceeds donated in support of breast cancer research. Photo: OSHC

by Todd Anderson

On Saturday, when the Ottawa Senators host the Buffalo Sabres, players will be using pink-coloured hockey sticks during the warm-up and pre-game skate. Some may even choose to use them during the game.

TPS Hockey has organized the first-ever Tribute to Hockey Moms, which will begin today and continue throughout the weekend. More than 200 NHL players, including several with the Ottawa Senators organization, will participate in the tribute by using the pink hockey sticks carrying the breast cancer logo. All proceeds will go to breast cancer research.

The sticks will be autographed by the players and auctioned off at local and national fundraising events. Many of the sticks will be auctioned off at www.frameworth.com.

Brad Janson, director of pro hockey for TPS, described the tremendous co-operation from players during the planning process of this venture.

"The response to this project by the NHL players has been overwhelming," he said. "They are all very receptive and excited to do this for their moms, and for breast cancer research. TPS Hockey is proud to support this tribute. This is the first-ever event of this nature, and we plan on making this an annual event going forward."