ITHACA, N.Y. — The 11th annual Racker Rivals Big Red hockey game, sponsored by Tompkins Financial, returns to Lynah Rink this Saturday, July 12, with the Family and Friends Open Skate, presented by Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP, beginning at 2:30 p.m., and the game taking place at 4 p.m.

Racker Rivals Big Red, an annual exhibition-style hockey game, benefits Racker's Early Childhood Program, has raised over $1.4 million since its inception in 2014. Last year's event generated $118,000 and nearly $17,000 had already been raised as of Tuesday morning.

"Early Childhood Programs across the state are vastly underfunded by the state, but are also one of the first line supports in making a lifetime of difference for the people and families that need it the most," the Racker Center posted on its main hockey page. "Racker is committed to providing Early Childhood Services to children and families in our community, and your support during Racker Rivals Big Red means a great deal."

Entry into this year's Racker Rivals Big Red event will be $10 for one general admission ticket, which also includes admission into the Friends and Family Open Skate. Kids aged seven and under will be admitted free of charge. Additional donations can be made upon purchase of tickets, which can be made here. The first 350 fans through the door will have the chance to choose between a Racker Rivals Big Red foam finger or seat cushion.

Fans are invited to pledge a player or either Team Racker of Team Big Red by donating here. For additional information, please visit racker.org.

Recently retired Cornell men's hockey head coach Mike Schafer '86 will captain Team Big Red while Matt Hedge '07, vice president and senior wealth advisor for Tompkins Financial Advisors, will captain Team Racker.

Casey Jones '90, the current Jay R. Bloom '77 Head Coach of Cornell Men's Hockey, will participate in the exhibition game, along with former Cornell players Pete Shier '78, Jeremy Downs '05, Matt Hedge '07, Cornell hockey fan favorite Topher Scott '08, and Tim Rego '25 are slated to suit up in the contest. Current assistant coach Chris Brown, equipment manager Sean Schmidt, and rising junior forward Jake Kraft and rising sophomore forward Charlie Major are also scheduled to participate.