Mediacom Ice Park is going pink for breast cancer awareness this week.

Crews will “Pink the Rink” starting Tuesday night, painting the East Rink’s ice pink in preparation for weekend of hockey designed to raise awareness and money for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

The ACHA Div. II Missouri State Ice Bears (8W-4L) will appear in special pink jerseys as they face the University of Iowa Hockeyes at home this weekend — on pink ice. Fans are also encouraged to wear pink. The jerseys will be auctioned off during Saturday’s game, with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

“They say only real men wear pink, right?” said Joe Combs, Community Olympic Development Program Ice Hockey Head Coach at Mediacom Ice Park, who is coordinating the event. “Hockey is the toughest, hardest-hitting fast-action sport in the world. And nothing compares to watching these athletes give 100 percent surrounded by pink, for such a great cause.”

The Ice Bears will also wear their pink jerseys as they march in Saturday’s MSU homecoming parade.

Game time is 7 p.m., Friday Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27. Tickets are $4-$8 and are available at Mediacom Ice Park, 635 E Trafficway, More information is at missouristatehockey.com.

The Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a resource for individuals and families in southwest Missouri and the four-state region impacted by breast cancer, providing financial assistance, emotional support, free mammogram screenings, educational programs and lymphedema garments. More information is at bcfo.org