Women’s hockey team suits up in support of cancer research

Sunday afternoon’s women’s hockey game is more than just another contest on the schedule as the York University Lions are also raising money for the second annual Roar for the Cure. All proceeds from the game will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The game begins at 2pm at Canlan Ice Sports and will feature the Lions taking on the No. 2 nationally ranked and undefeated Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks. There will be a silent auction with jerseys, sticks and posters autographed by team members available and collection boxes around the rink for fans to make donations.

The Canadian Cancer Society is near and dear to the team’s heart. Former Lions captain Jessica Turi was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease five years ago at the tender age of 18. After 12 bouts of chemotherapy, all while she completed classes as a student at York, Turi was pronounced healthy by her doctors. She spent that summer getting herself back into shape and joined the Lions in time for the 2005-2006 season. She was a valuable member of the team for four years before graduating at the end of last season.

The on-ice action promises to be exciting as the Lions (15-7-1) and Golden Hawks (22-0) have established a rivalry over the past couple of years. (For more, see YFile, Feb. 5.)