Friday hoops opener a fundraiser for breast cancer

MONTREAL - The McGill University department of athletics & recreation has announced that net proceeds from Friday's season-opening CIS basketball doubleheader between Bishop's and McGill will be part of a "Pink Ribbon" fundraising initiative to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

The women's game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. tip-off, followed by the men's contest (8 p.m.) at Love Competition Hall inside the Sir Arthur Currie gymnasium, 475 Pine Avenue W.

The initiative, named "Shoot for the Cure" for the 2008-09 campaign, was an overwhelming success last year as the CIS Women's Basketball Coaching Association presented a cheque for $50,320.87 to the Breast Cancer Foundation at last March's CIS championship, in Saskatoon.

This year, all 42 CIS women's basketball programs are hoping to raise a combined $100,000 through regular season games, exhibition matches, tournaments or special projects.

"We have a goal of raising $2,000 towards that cause," said Ryan Thorne, head coach of the Martlets, who have a 3-6 record in preseason play. "Our players are all collecting pledges, and they will circulating through the stands during the men's game on Friday, asking for donations."

The Redmen, coached by Craig Norman, are currently ranked ninth in the nation with a 7-3 preseason record against Canadian university teams.

Both the Martlets and Redmen players have been selling tickets for the doubleheader to family members, friends and students on campus this week.

The fundraising initiative was the brainchild of Rod Gilpin, the longtime bench boss of the Bishop's women's program who was named head coach of the Gaiters' men's team earlier this year.

The 2008-09 Shoot for the Cure schedule is currently comprised of over 25 events, with many more dates to be announced across the country.

Tickets for the Bishop's-McGill doubleheader are only $5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults and children aged 12-and-under are admitted free. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Redbird Sports Shop inside the Currie gym.