The Mercyhurst College men’s American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I club hockey program has teamed up with the Penn State Behrend ACHA Division III hockey team to prepare a charity game this Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.

The charity game will help raise money for the American Cancer Society in conjunction with the ACHA’s Play for the Cure Promotion.

The ACHA is the administrative body for non-varsity hockey at the collegiate level, and is the national body for more than 420 programs across the United States.

The ACHA is the fastest-growing segment of hockey in the United States today, even catching national media attention in articles such as those written by Shawn P. Roarke, NHL.com’s Managing Editor.

In honor of its 20th Anniversary season, the ACHA is gearing up in the fight against cancer.

ACHA President Marshall Stevenson announced a major campaign to raise money for the American Cancer Society with a goal of $42,000 by the next ACHA Annual Meeting in April 2011.

All 421 current ACHA teams in all five divisions (three men’s and two women’s) are encouraged to conduct fundraisers or take collections from players in the effort to raise funds for this great cause.

President Stevenson says, “This deadly disease affects someone each of us knows, so our goal of $42,000 is well worth the effort.”

Ed Slusher, head coach of Towson University’s ACHA team, has submitted the winning slogan for the ACHA’s campaign in the fight against cancer.

Slusher’s suggestion, “Play For The Cure,” was chosen from all of the entries in a contest held following the spring meeting in Naples, Fla., and voted on by ACHA’s Board of Directors.

Mercyhurst’s game against Penn State Behrend will be played Saturday at the Mercyhurst Ice Center with warm-ups beginning at 7 p.m. and game time set for 7:30 p.m.

Admission to the game will cost $5 with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society through the ACHA’s Play for the Cure Campaign.