CARKNER JOINS FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

Matt Carkner has taken on some tough opponents during his American Hockey League career.  Now he’ll be helping the American Cancer Society in the battle against a foe even tougher than Pete Vandermeer, David Koci or Dennis Bonvie.

Carkner (who has personal experience with cancer in his family), the Penguins and the American Cancer Society will be teaming up in the fight against the disease during the team’s March 30 contest against the Hershey Bears.

The first 5,000 fans through the Wachovia Arena doors will receive a free Matt Carkner poster, courtesy of the American Cancer Society.

Fans will also be able to help the fight by taking part in three special raffles being held during the game.

1.) Prior to the actual game, Carkner will take to the ice sporting a special warm up jersey, featuring pink accents and numbering, as well as a pink ribbon on the front right shoulder. (Pic1 Pic2 Pic3 Pic4)

2.) After the game, Carkner will sit down at center ice where one fan will have the opportunity to shave Carkner’s head.

3.) And finally, one other Penguins player will also loose his locks.  That skater is unknown as of yet, as the person holding the winning ticket will get to choose his haircut from four volunteers: Dennis Bonvie, Jonathan Filewich, Ryan Stone or Kurtis McLean.

Tickets for the raffle will be one for $10 or three for $20, and will be available during the game against the Bears.  All proceeds from the raffle will go to the American Cancer Society and the Penguins/United Way Charity Fund.

Fans can use the tickets for a chance at any of the three prizes, in any combination.  For example, buy three tickets and use all three to try to win the Carkner Jersey, or split them up for one chance at each of the prizes.

The ACS will also be on hand to answer questions and to distribute information to the public about combating the disease.

Group and individual tickets for all Penguins home games are on sale now.  Individual tickets are available at all TicketMaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com, and at the Wachovia Arena Box Office.  Group tickets and other special offers are available through the Penguins Team Store, or by calling 570-208-7367.