Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine women's ice hockey team will host its annual 'Skating Strides' game when they host New Hampshire on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.

Prior to the game, the Black Bears will host a ceremonial puck drop. During the contest, the Black Bears will wear their special pink jerseys to help bring awareness to breast cancer fundraising. As part of the event, Maine will be auctioning off its six senior's pink jerseys, with all proceeds going to benefit Northern Light Cancer Care at Eastern Maine Medical Center, including all outpatient services at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute in Brewer, Maine.

Bidding is open now and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Bids will only be accepted online and can be made by visiting HERE.

Founded in 2006, Skating Strides serves as Hockey East's fundraising vehicle to bring awareness to breast cancer.

Skating Strides has contributed more than $400,000 to breast cancer organizations throughout New England through the Friends of Mel Foundation, including the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in Maine, the Gloria Gemma Foundation in Rhode Island, the Vermont Cancer Center, Necessities Bag and the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center in Connecticut, the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, the Ellie Fund and the Art of Living Life Beyond Cancer Conference in Massachusetts.

For more information, please contact Kathy Wynters at 781-245-2122, via email at kwynters@hockeyeastonline.com.

-UMaine-