Press Level Fashion: ‘Hockey & Heels’ Presented by Syracuse Crunch Hockey

When the Syracuse Crunch (AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning) took on the Albany Devils, Friday, February 27, fans were seeing “pink in the rink!” The Syracuse Crunch Foundation partnered with Upstate University Hospital to honor those who have fought breast cancer and cardiac issues by hosting ‘Hockey & Heels: A Night of Women’s Health.’

The night began with a special pre-game ‘Hockey 101’ with Shannon Zettler, wife of head coach Rob Zettler. The hockey basics talk was followed by information from breast and cardiac health experts from Upstate University Hospital, along with screenings for blood pressure, body mass index and cardiac risk assessment. Attendees were treated to refreshments and had access to exclusive raffle items. Fans were able to purchase pink and red autographed mystery pucks to benefit the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund and Strong Women, Strong Hearts.

The pre-game ceremony tugged at everyone’s heart strings, when breast cancer and heart disease survivors were escorted on the ice by Syracuse Crunch players. The event was made even more personal when forward Kevin Lynch escorted his own mother Sue.

Fans and staff alike were encouraged to wear pink and red to that night’s game to help raise awareness about breast and cardiac health. As a “Sponsorship Services” intern for the Syracuse Crunch, I worked closely with our partner’s representatives for this game – assisting with the pre-game ceremony line up of Syracuse Crunch players and the survivors, as well as with the raffle table.

For this look, I pulled out some pieces from the archives. The A-line floral patchwork skirt is by Nanette Lepore and was purchased with the short sleeved bubblegum pink sweater at Saks Fifth Avenue several years ago. Since it can be chilly in the rink, I added my black boyfriend-style blazer from Anthropologie. The cuffs of the blazer have a similar pattern to that of the background in the skirt. I finished the look with black opaque tights and my flat, black leather Cole Haan boots. For accessories, I chose to carry by black, leather envelope clutch from Kate Spade. For jewelry I kept it simple and classic with a vintage pearl necklace and earring set and a vintage cocktail ring. I enjoy layering necklaces, so I added my single pearl and sterling silver necklace from Dogeared and my men’s inspired two-tone watch from Citizen.