Buffalo In-Line Hockey Group holds Iron Man Tournament

Buffalo In-line Hockey Group hosted its 2008 Winter Iron Man Tournament this past Saturday at the EPIC Center in Lancaster.

The Iron Man Tournament is a 3-on-3 (plus goalies) one-period, 15-minute, no subs, single-elimination tournament that was won by the Blast (Junior division) and the Force (Major division).

The Blast consisted of tournament MVP Adam Terragnolli (Amherst), Jacob Strauss (Amherst), Garret Brozwiec (Amherst) and Ricky Jacobs (Williamsville). The Force was comprised of tournament MVP Eric Wright, Josh Vaccaro (Amherst), Mike Heberlien and Brett Davidson (Amherst).

The tournament, with two dozen teams participating, was run with proceeds going to Buffalo Sled Hockey. Buffalo Sled Hockey is an initiative that gives players who are suffering from an accident or disability that prevents them from playing ice or in-line hockey the opportunity to participate. The complementary goals of awareness and power through sports make Buffalo Sled Hockey a perfect partner for Buffalo In-Line Hockey Group's community outreach programs.

BIHG co-founders Rich Gurbacki and Rich Smith indicated that the league was happy to work with Buffalo Sled Hockey because it fits right into the BIHG philosophy. "We, along with every member of our Board of Directors, do this because of our boys and for all of the kids that enjoy this sport," said Gurbacki. "Working with Buffalo Sled Hockey was an easy decision - a natural fit."

Tryouts for the BIHG tournament teams will be held: 16 (1991), 10:30 a.m., March 30 at EPIC; 14 (1993), 10:30 a.m., April 6 at EPIC. You do not need to play BIHG house in order to try out.

For more information, call Rich at 689-4090 or 773-1188.