Sunday August 17, 2008 starting at 9AM, with final playoffs beginning at 4 PM, street hockey rules in Buffalo once again, in front of HSBC Arena. Since 2002 the Buffalo Sabres/Dick's Sporting Goods, Street HockeyFest has proven the " NOT to be missed" Street Hockey Event in Buffalo. This year, 176 teams in levels from Mites to Midgets will sweat the battle with stick and ball for winning honors. Translate this into 880 players, who are both boys and girls, of ages 5 to 17. With all the hockey heart they can muster, it's an event that's theirs to win. At high noon the WGR550 station personalities challenge the Sabres Alumni. Chances for autographs are good and Sabretooth will have a lot of territory to cover and fans to greet.

This outdoor, rain or shine, FREE admission event, has continued to grow and become more popular with each passing each year. FREE parking must be approached from behind HSBC as all the streets in front of the Arena are cordoned off to create the separated rink areas where the fun continues all day. With teams returning to this Buffalo Hockey Mecca event, and new teams joining in each year, there has to be a cut off for registering teams simply to plan the street space. Each year the number of teams competing and street space used continues to leap.

Behind the scenes teams begin to form in May on a hand shake. Despite summer vacation obstacles they manage to practice for the event. The flood gate registration opens up until the team spots are filled. Of course you'll find the familiar faces of ice hockey youth, but the pure, street hockey ball and stick neighborhood player team entries, have an equal chance. Both printed shirts, jerseys, and even magic markered t-shirts are worn by the sneakered street hockey warrior participants. Street hockey is their game and they are loving the opportunity to compete.

Players hone their skillsand get down-right serious about their street hockey. Residents from other counties and our friends from Canada travel to attend and participate in this youth hockey event. Driveways, parking lots, and side streets abound with nets of teams getting it together for August 17 th. Those coaching or forming a team come from all walks of life but they are unified in one respect; their love of hockey, be it ice or street. Buffalo truly is a hot spot on the hockey map big time, oh yes, big time.

For further information go to the Sabres Official web site at www.sabresnhl.com or call 716-855-4144