Nov. 7--STOCKTON -- Pink was the color of the night at Stockton Arena as the Thunder promoted breast cancer awareness. And many of the fans followed the franchise's direction.

The fourth annual Thunder Goes Pink event began Friday at the arena and will continue at 7:30 p.m. today. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's Stockton field office and St. Joseph's Foundation Breast-Cancer Services.

The Thunder played the game on pink ice and in jerseys trimmed with pink lightning bolts, and the outside of Stockton Arena was lit by pink lights.

The crowd of 6,976 included fans wearing pink jerseys, hats, shirts, sweaters and wigs, and some decided to dye their hair.

Tammy Coutroul of Oakdale had pink highlights in her hair to complement her jersey.

"I thought it would be fun, and this event goes beyond belief," said Coutroul, 42, who has attended each Thunder Goes Pink event. "It's so important to raise awareness for this disease."

The Thunder will donate $2 from each ticket sold this weekend to charity; the team has raised $110,000 in the first three years.

Contact reporter Scott Linesburgh at (209) 546-8281 or slinesburgh@recordnet.com.

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