The Janesville Jets had an incredibly successful "Paint the Rink Pink" weekend series versus the Coulee Region Chill on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20.

These games, presented by Mercy Health System, were played in support of cancer awareness and in honor of former Janesville Gazette sports reporter John McPoland.  Mr. McPoland was an early Jets supporter who lost his battle with cancer in 2009.

The Jets swept the hockey series, beating the Chill Friday night 4 - 1 and Saturday night 3 -2 in overtime.  Goaltender Austin Priebe (Wausau, WI) stopped 25 out of 26 saves in Friday night's victory.  Jets defenseman Ruslan Pedlan had two assists and a goal in that game. 

Both Priebe and Pedlan were named Honorable Mention North Division Stars of the Week by the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Former Wisconsin First Lady Sue Ann Thompson dropped the ceremonial puck before Friday's game.  (Please see attached photo.)  Mrs. Thompson is the Founder and President of the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation (WWHF) and a breast cancer survivor.  The Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation (www.wwhf.org) helps Wisconsin women and their families reach their healthiest potential. 

The Jets players wore special pink jerseys and hockey socks during both games.  (Please see attached action photo.)  The Jets organization held a live auction of the game-worn jerseys after both games with the net proceeds benefiting the Mercy Foundation and funds earmarked for the Mercy Regional Cancer Center.  $3,000 was raised for the Mercy Foundation from this year's auction.

Additionally, the night before the "Paint the Rink Pink" games, there was a special "Skaters As Waiters" event on Thursday, October 18 at Texas Roadhouse Janesville.  The Janesville Jets players served as guest waiters along with the Texas Roadhouse staff.  Restaurant guests provided an extra tip that went to the Mercy Regional Cancer Center efforts.  In addition, Jets sponsor Texas Roadhouse generously donated a portion of sales that evening to the Mercy Foundation.  In all, Texas Roadhouse donated another $1,000 to the Mercy Foundation.

The Janesville Jets owners and organization would like to thank our players, parents, billet hosts and fans as well as presenting event sponsor Mercy Health System, media sponsors Bliss Communications, the Gazette and WCLO, and team sponsor Texas Roadhouse for their enthusiasm and wonderful support of the "Paint the Rink Pink" games and cancer awareness activities.