Pittsburgh, Pa. - This Friday and Saturday at 84 Lumber Arena, the Robert Morris University men's hockey team will host its third annual Men's Cancer Awareness Weekend, supporting a cause near to the program's heart.

Previously, the Colonials held Men's Cancer Awareness Weekend in support of former RMU standout Chris Kushneriuk, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012. After extensive treatments to fight the disease, Kushneriuk returned to the ice last fall and is continuing his pro hockey career this season with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.

This year, RMU is raising funds for Moon Township resident Mike Tolliver, who recently received a prostate cancer diagnosis. He has completed two rounds of chemotherapy to date, in addition to frequent radiation treatments. Since Tolliver was in good health prior to the diagnosis - he completed a marathon this spring - doctors felt he could handle radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously. 

While Tolliver endured the aggressive treatment, friends and family coordinated a grassroots fundraising effort. The Colonials decided to pitch in upon hearing about Tolliver's situation.

"We are proud to continue our Men's Cancer Awareness Weekend," said RMU head coach Derek Schooley. "The previous two weekends were set aside to help one of our fellow Colonials 'Krush' this horrible disease. Now that Chris Kushneriuk is cancer-free and back playing hockey, we wanted to help a local resident."

The Colonials' fundraising this weekend will include a jersey auction, plus RMU T-shirts and wristbands will be for sale. Also, players will be signing autographs following Friday's game for a minimum donation of $2 apiece. Saturday will feature Skate with the Colonials after the game for all who would like to take part, with autographed team pictures available then as well.

Fans are encouraged to wear blue to the Island Sports Center as Robert Morris battles Atlantic Hockey rival Air Force at 7:05 p.m. both nights. The 17th-ranked Colonials are off to their best start in program history at 7-0-1. For ticket information, visit RMUColonials.com or call 412-397-4949. 

The Colonials have 12 home games remaining at 84 Lumber Arena this season, in addition to two games at CONSOL Energy Center during the annual Three Rivers Classic on Dec. 29-30. RMU faces Penn State in the tournament opener, with Western Michigan and nationally-ranked Colgate on the other side of the four-team bracket.

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