THOMAS GREISS PINK MASK AUCTION RAISED $5,000 ON NHL.COM…ALL FOR CHARITY!

WORCESTER, Mass - Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced that the Autographed Pink Mask worn by goaltender Thomas Greiss in an online auction on NHL.com received over 30 bids and went for $5,000! The proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of Worcester via Sharks Charities Chairwoman Mary C. Defeudis during a check presentation before the Sharks host the Lowell Devils on Sunday, December 30^th at 4:05p.m. at the DCU Center .

The winner of the Pink Mask, Kevin Milliken, is a San Jose Sharks and Worcester Sharks season ticket holder and originally bid 4,901.02 for the pink mask, but graciously “rounded up” to $5,000! Milliken was presented the Pink Mask by Thomas Greiss before the Sharks game on Saturday, December 15th vs. the Houston Aeros. Kevin has a history of bidding on Sharks items with the proceeds donated to charity.  Back in 2002, Kevin was the highest bidder on an Owen Nolan game worn jersey charity auction to benefit the American Cancer Society.

“The Worcester Sharks are extremely pleased with the way the Pink Mask Auction generated interest for breast cancer,” said Lehr. “Thomas Greiss was gracious enough to wear the mask and Kevin Milliken was generous with his winning bid.  The Worcester Sharks are proud to be presenting the check to the Hope Lodge via Sharks Charities.”

German Olympic Goaltender and the #1 San Jose Sharks Goalie Prospect Thomas Greiss agreed to wear the specially designed Pink Mask for games in October and November to promote awareness for breast cancer. Greiss recorded a 5-5-0 record wearing the Pink Mask with the Worcester Sharks. Thomas Greiss also wore the Pink Mask as a back-up goaltender for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League after he was recalled by the club when the Sharks fell to the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in San Jose on November 24th.

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of Worcester is a free, temporary housing facility for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment in central and eastern Massachusetts , and their families.  It provides guests with private rooms, kitchen facilities, and transportation to treatments.  More importantly, perhaps, it also provides a human support network and a comfortable home away from home. Money raised during the Pink Mask auction will help fund the program.

The Pink Mask was designed and painted by the Worcester Sharks Director of Youth Hockey and Community Relations, Michael Myers . Myers has designed and painted several masks, including Conn Smythe Winner Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers Goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

The Sharks still have a limited amount of special pink pucks available for sale. Mystery signed pink pucks are on sale for $10.00 while pink pucks are on sale for just $5.00.  Portions of the proceeds from the pink pucks will also be donated to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of Worcester .  For more information contact the Sharks Front Office at 508-929-0500.

The Sharks return to the DCU Center on Saturday, December 29^th against the Monarchs, with the first 3,000 fans through the gates picking up a hand signed Mike Iggulden collector’s card.  The evening will also feature post game fireworks as the Sharks celebrate the upcoming New Year.  On Sunday, SpongBob SquarePants will join FINZ as the Sharks host the Lowell Devils at 4:05p.m.

For more information on these and other promotions, or to purchase tickets, call the Sharks offices at 508-929-0500 or check out the new www.sharksahl.com.

All games can be heard live on 580 WTAG, as well as online through B2 Networks, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.sharksahl.com.

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