Skating Strides benefits Dempsey Center The University of Maine Black Bears women's hockey team welcomed special guest Mary Dempsey to Alfond Arena for the sixth anniversary of Hockey East's Skating Strides against breast cancer on Sunday, Jan. 22. Dempsey is the Assistant Director at the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center, which provides free support, education and wellness services to anyone affected by cancer. The Skating Strides initiative benefits breast cancer charities through gate admissions, merchandise sales, raffles, auctions and other special events from eight Hockey East games. "We are happy to be able to be a part of this wonderful event and to receive their support as well," said Dempsey.  A donation of over $5,000 to the Dempsey Center from last year's Skating Strides event in Orono. Additional donations are presented to the Friends of Mel Foundation, Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Vermont Cancer Center. Players sported pink jerseys, sticks and laces to commemorate the event. Dempsey, wearing her customized Black Bears jersey, dropped the ceremonial first puck, addressed the team in the locker room and cheered the Black Bears to victory as they downed the Providence College Friars 3-2 in overtime.