Amherst Youth Hockey, Amherst Pepsi Center, and the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau are set to welcome over 2,000 players, coaches, family members and fans for the five-day USA Hockey 2008 Youth Nationals. The tournament, which runs from Wednesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 6 will not only showcase the top national youth hockey talent, but will utilize over 5,200 hotel room nights and create a $1.2 million economic impact for the region. Teams will be traveling from 22 states, including as far away as Alaska, to participate in what is considered one of North America's largest youth hockey tournaments. The USA Hockey 2008 Youth Nationals will feature the Tier I and Tier II Boys 16 & 18 and Under Divisions. The teams are comprised of elite high school aged players who are expected to garner a lot of interest from professional hockey scouts. Current NHL stars Sidney Crosby, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury and Drew Stafford have played in this tournament. The Buffalo area was awarded this tournament in 2006 from a bid crafted by the host organization Amherst Youth Hockey, working in partnership with the Amherst Pepsi Center, and the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We have been very successful in teaming up with local partners in attracting large-scale amateur athletic sporting events, which provide a major economic boost to our region," said Richard Geiger, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Hosting this event further solidifies Buffalo Niagara as one of the premier amateur sports destinations in the country. Our region's past investments in athletic facilities are paying huge dividends for Buffalo's hotels, restaurants, attractions and shops." "The Amherst Pepsi Center is honored to host this prestigious event," said Eric Gudzek, General Manager, Amherst Pepsi Center. "Events such as the USA Hockey Youth Nationals have helped progress the building from a local venue to a national attraction. The facility not only benefits the Town of Amherst, but the entire Erie County region too."
| 
