BUFFALO, N.Y. (May 1, 2015) — The New York State Public High School Athletic Association today announced that HARBORCENTER will be the host of the NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey Championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Buffalo Sabres will operate as the lead sponsor of the event and provide support to further its success.
“These state championships have established an incredible tradition over the last three decades,” said HARBORCENTER Vice President and Director of Hockey Nik Fattey. “It is now our goal to enhance that tradition and take it to the next level. Our staff has studied some of the nation’s top hockey events at the college and high school levels. We want to take the best aspects of those events and use this tournament to build upon our own hockey tradition and continue to grow the game of hockey across New York State.”
In March, eight teams will come to HARBORCENTER to compete in the semifinals and finals of the state championship tournament at both the division 1 and division 2 levels. All games will be contested on the 1,800 seat First Niagara Rink at HARBORCENTER. The facility’s second NHL-size rink will be utilized for additional practices. In addition to its two rinks and eleven locker rooms, participants will have the opportunity to maximize their performance through the facility’s valuable amenities including IMPACT Sports high performance off-ice training facility, the Rapid Shot training system, and classroom and theater facilities for team review.
HARBORCENTER’s 205 room full-service Marriot Hotel will serve as the official host hotel of the NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey Championships. Additionally, visitors will have the ability to enhance their state championship experience with HARBORCENTER’s dining options at (716) Food and Sport restaurant and unique Tim Hortons that pays tribute to the hockey legend.
The NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey Championships join the list of prominent events that have called HARBORCENTER home, including the 2015 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships, HARBORCENTER Cup youth hockey tournament series, Canisius College hockey games and events, Buffalo Junior Sabres Ontario Junior Hockey League games and events, SuperSeries AAA showcases, Midwest Prep Hockey League and Junior Women’s Hockey League showcases, along with many more.
