The Tim Hortons Backyard Classic, a three-on-three charity ice hockey tournament, is gaining significant traction in the Western New York hockey community.
The tournament is now in its 5th year and has raised over $20,000 for charity. This year’s beneficiary will be Haseks Heroes. Hasek’s Heroes gives children of low-income families a chance to play hockey at no cost to the family as well as supports them off-ice with their education. The moneh raised at this tournament will be used to build an educational center in one of the ice rinks owned by Hasek’s Heroes to assist in not only the development of the kids from Hasek’s Heroes but those from South Buffalo as well.
In the past, the proceeds have sent players who have never traveled out of Buffalo before on a hockey trip to Detroit and also equipped players who had no equipment with brand new stuff with the money we have raised.
At past tournaments players such as as Justin Bailey (OHL Kitchener Rangers), Andrew Poturalski (University of New Hampshire), Parker Gahagen (Buffalo Jr. Sabres and NYS High School Hockey MVP), Matt Nuttle (USHL Youngstown Phantoms) and Pat Polino (USHL Chicago Steel), alongside many other Buffalo Jr. Sabres players have taken part.
This tournament is a celebration of the game of hockey by taking it back to its roots on the backyard rink or pond. Even if those not playing in the tournament are invited out to join in the festivities and enjoy some quality outdoor hockey (hopefully with a little snow) where hockey was meant to be played, in the outdoors.
This year we the tournament will be held at the Rose Garden (2753 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221) on January 12th and 13th, 2013 from 9AM to approximately 8PM.
Organizers expect to have 96 teams playing over that two day period on four outdoor ice rinks. There will be four divisions (Middle School, High School, College, and Adult) which will each have 24 teams. Through the help of major sponsors such as Tim Hortons, the Buffalo Sabres, City Fence, New Era, The Mac Groups, and more they hope to raise an additional $15,000.
If you would like to register either go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/backyardclassic or www.timhortonsbackyardclassic.com . It is $125 for a team of 3 players and 1 goalie. All participants are guaranteed three 20 minute games and an official Tim Hortons Backyard Classic T-shirt.
