POTSDAM, N.Y.-- SUNY Potsdam is looking to "Pack the Place" and set a new attendance record for its women's hockey program during the Saturday, January 27 Bears' contest against the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons at the Maxcy Hall Ice Arena. Admission is free for all. All girls and women are encouraged to wear their team jerseys in celebration of female participation in athletics. The contest will also celebrate the 32nd annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). Faceoff for the game is set for 3 p.m.

Bears' Head Women's Hockey Coach Jay Green has the program off to another great start. The Bears' roster includes local talent with two players coming from area schools in senior Taylor Marcellus (Waddington) and sophomore Kayla McCabe (Watertown). Coach Green is encouraging the local community to come out and be part of the event.

"This group is working especially hard to continue to build our program and we're hoping to have as many young athletes attend as possible to give us a real home-ice advantage."

Following the game, Bears players will be available for pictures, autographs and to meet their young fans.

With the help of the SUNY Potsdam Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the women's hockey program is using this game as an opportunity to assist Bears' athletic trainer Alex Berking, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in November. As part of the effort, several promotions will be conducted during the game and between periods, including Chuck-a-Puck; a stick and jersey auction; a "Signs and Spirits" contest, with prizes for the team or group with the best signs and energy; and a $500 raffle drawing. Bears Athletics sponsor Little Italy will provide chances to win free pizza prizes during the afternoon as well. All proceeds raised during the game will be donated to Alex and her family to help with costs incurred from her treatment. To donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/alex-berking

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. The U.S. Congress chartered the Day in 1986 to honor female athletic achievement and recognize the importance of sports and fitness participation for all girls and women. Since that time, NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

For information about the day, please contact Dustin Smith, Maxcy Hall Facilities Director at 315-267-2305 or smithdj@potsdam.edu.