The Chatham Junior Maroons are dedicating Sunday night's game against the Sarnia Legionnaires to raising awareness for domestic violence.
The team's top bass says it's a teaching moment for their younger athletes, as violence against women continues to be a problem in pro sports.
"As the junior hockey team in Chatham, a lot of younger kids look up to players, so we feel it's important to create awareness through our hockey organization," says Community Relations Manager Tom Heath, adding it's their third Domestic Violence Awareness Night in as many years.
He says there will be purple scarfs for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre, and their Wrap Yourself In Courage campaign.
The scarves serve as a reminder that it takes courage to tackle domestic violence; the colour purple has come to symbolize this fight, Heath says.
"They may not further careers in hockey, but it's incumbent upon us as an organization that the players recognize these are very important social issues."
A ceremonial puck drop is set for 7pm.
