In an effort to raise awareness for youth and athletic concussions, the Program for Understanding Childhood Concussion and Stroke (PUCCS) will host their 2nd annual charity hockey event this weekend.

The event will consist of a 36-team youth hockey tournament and a 16-team USA Hockey sanctioned senior tournament, with one adult team getting a chance to take on the Sabres Alumni team. In addition to collecting pledges and donations, the adult team who raises the most for the organization will also have the opportunity to skate against the former Sabres.

Friday and Saturday will host the WNY Youth League tournament and adult round robin tournament, while Sunday will be the youth tournament finals, adult tournament finals and Buffalo Sabres Alumni charity hockey game.

Admission is $5 per spectator and children under 14 are free to attend the event. The tournament itself will take place this Friday through Sunday at Holiday Twin Rinks (3465 Broadway, Cheektowaga) with a Sabres Alumni Exhibition game and autograph session taking place on Sunday as well. 

According to PUCCS, “The rate of concussion injury for youth hockey is only slightly less than that of professionals. Yet few tools exist to deal with diagnosis and monitoring of concussions, and even fewer tools exist to help heal them. As researchers, amateur players and parents we could not let this trend continue.

PUCCS is seeking funds to help with research that will allow us to better understand and develop the clinical tools necessary to help young athletes manage and recover from the effects of concussion and stroke.”

Last year’s inaugural event raised over $100,000 and the organization is looking to raise $125,000 this year for future research.

For more information on the PUCCS charity hockey event, head over to their website or Facebook page for details and updates. You can also get in touch with Emily Wyckoff, the PUCCS Event Coordinator at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) directly for questions.

Photo courtesy of Facebook.