It’s hard to imagine what it would be like if we didn’t have HarborCenter. In its opening year, the hockey center has hosted 2 USA World Championships, players from 12 countries, and over 200 tournament teams.
All of this hockey related activity adds up to big news and happenings for the Buffalo sports industry. Plus, HarborCenter also hosts public skates, open hockey, and adult open hockey sessions – click here to see the schedule.
No matter the time of year, teams, organizations and businesses within HarborCenter are creating new ways to interact with the community. This Wednesday, Buffalo’s Ontario Junior Hockey League franchise, the Junior Sabres, will be recognizing veterans on Veterans Day by paying tribute to active, retired and veteran military personnel. A special game will be dedicated to those in the military, who might appreciate a home game between the Buffalo Junior Sabres and Trenton Golden Hawks. The game is free for anyone in the military.
“Junior Hockey Leagues across the United States and Canada, especially the Ontario Junior Hockey League, are integral parts of their communities, and we, the Buffalo Junior Sabres, have always been committed to giving back to our fans and neighbors, especially the men and women who serve or have served our country.” said Larry Playfair, President of the Buffalo Junior Sabres and a Buffalo Sabres Alumn. “In addition to this year’s Veterans Day game, we’re planning on scheduling additional military appreciation offers for future home games.”
The Junior Sabres invite the entire community to come watch the game, cheer on the teams, and pay tribute to those in uniform. The game will take place at the First Niagara Rink on the 7th floor of the HarborCenter (home to the Buffalo Junior Sabres).
“One of the first players I had a pleasure of coaching last season was Dan DeFranco, a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.” commented John Tucker, Head Coach of the Buffalo Junior Sabres. “Dan brought leadership, self-discipline, a determined work ethic, and he personified what it meant to be a teammate.”
The game will also give the Trenton Golden Hawks a chance to pay their own respects to the Canadian military, as part of “Remembrance Day”. The team’s name was coined after a Royal Canadian Air Force aerobatic flying team. “We’re hoping to attract veterans from both countries to this game, because as we all know, Canada isn’t just our neighbor across the pond, they’re also one of our closest and most important allies,” added Larry Playfair.
Veterans Day Game at HarborCenter | Wednesday, November 11, 2015 | Home game between the Buffalo Junior Sabres and Trenton Golden Hawks | Game begins at 7:35pm | Local singer and recent Kenmore West graduate, Maddie Radwan, will perform the national anthems alongside the Niagara Falls Air Force Base Honor Guard. All military personnel will receive free admission.
Check out the team online at buffalojrsabres.pointstreaksites.com.
Photo: By Timothy T. Ludwig/OJHL Images – Buffalo Junior Sabres Facebook