Guardian's Cup Hockey Tournament Returns, Expanding to Support First Responders' Mental Health2/27/2025
 Rochester, NY – February 27, 2025 – The second annual Guardian's Cup charitable hockey tournament is set to take over Tim Horton's Iceplex from March 7th to 9th, bringing together first responders and military veterans for a weekend of spirited competition and community support. This year's event promises to be bigger and better, with a significant increase in participating teams and expanded fundraising efforts for the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP).
Building on the success of its inaugural year, which raised over $3,000 for NYLEAP, the Guardian's Cup has more than doubled in size, now featuring 22 teams from across New York State and Pittsburgh. The tournament includes both recreational and competitive divisions, offering exciting action for players and spectators alike. The public is invited to attend the tournament free of charge throughout the weekend. A highlight of the event will be the featured game on Saturday, March 9th at 12:15 PM in the Tim Horton's Iceplex main arena, where the Rochester Police will face off against the Monroe County Jail team. Beyond the on-ice action, attendees can participate in raffles, 50/50 drawings, and other engaging activities, all aimed at raising crucial funds for NYLEAP. Participating Teams: Recreational Division: Monroe County Jail, Monroe County Sheriff's - Road Patrol, Niagara Falls Police, Buffalo Police, Rochester Fire, Elmira Fire, Flower City Warriors, Lockport Canal Sharks, Buffalo Warriors, Monroe County Fire, Pittsburgh Warriors, Saratoga Springs Finest. Competitive Division: Rochester Fire, Buffalo Police, Buffalo Fire, New York State Police, Nassau County Police, ECON, Rochester Police, Attica CF, Syracuse Fire, Monroe County Jail. "We've seen this event explode in popularity in just its second year, which speaks volumes to the connection between hockey and the first responder community”, said Chris Woodworth, Executive Director of Tim Hortons Iceplex. “The shared experience of teamwork and dedication is palpable. It's a privilege to provide a platform for these heroes to come together, celebrate their passion for hockey, and support a critical cause that directly impacts their well-being." “It really is amazing to be able to get 22 teams from across the state and Pittsburgh out to Rochester to play in a fun tournament”, said Justin Stranz, Event Lead and member of NYLEAP. “To be able to spend a weekend together from the military and first responder community as well as connecting with local community members who just want to see their first responders in a different light is really remarkable. We are excited to provide something for everyone with the Moose and Hawk coming out from our local sports teams, to coloring pages for kids and of course hockey to root on your teams. I could not imagine a better place to have such an event than Rochester and Tim Horton’s Iceplex.” Event Details: Event: 2nd Annual Guardian's Cup Charitable Hockey Tournament Dates: March 7-9 Location: Tim Horton's Iceplex Featured Game: Saturday, March 9th, 12:15 PM, Rochester Police vs. Monroe County Jail Website: www.guardianscup.com Contact: Chris Woodworth Executive Director - Tim Hortons Iceplex [email protected] (585) 991-9697 About NYLEAP NYLEAP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting New York State's first responders and their families. With over 40 years of experience, NYLEAP addresses critical mental health challenges such as PTSD and suicide, striving to reduce stress, enhance productivity, and promote healthier communities. Their mission is to safeguard those who protect us. For more information, please visit www.nyleap.org. About The Guardian’s Cup The Guardian's Cup is a dynamic charitable hockey tournament, driven by a passionate commitment to supporting first responders and military veterans. Run in close partnership with Tim Horton's Iceplex, which graciously hosts the event, and spearheaded by Justin Stranz, a dedicated member of NYLEAP, the tournament goes beyond the game. It's a powerful display of camaraderie, uniting these vital community members in friendly competition while raising crucial funds for the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP). This annual event, through the combined efforts of its organizers and partners, fosters a sense of community, promotes mental wellness, and honors the dedication of those who selflessly serve. www.guardianscup.com Over 1,000 youth hockey players and their families braved frigid temperatures this weekend to participate in the MyHockey Tournaments Empire State Cup.
The three-day event, held at Tim Hortons Iceplex in Brighton, featured 64 teams, including 51 from outside the area. Games began as early as 7:00 AM on the final day, with championship matchups taking place between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. "The dedication of these hockey families braving the winter elements is truly inspiring," said Chris Woodworth, Executive Director of Tim Hortons Iceplex. "We're proud to host such a passionate group of athletes and wish all teams the best of luck in the tournament finals and safe travels home." Due to the tournament's size, some games were also held at Lakeshore Hockey Arena in Greece. The event is expected to generate over $2 million in economic impact for Monroe County. Tournament Details Dates: January 18-20, 2025 Location: Tim Hortons Iceplex, 2700 Brighton Henrietta Townline Road, Rochester, NY 14623 Full Event Information: myhockeytournaments.com  The United States Hockey League (USHL) will host its fourth annual American Cup, powered by Wegmans, from December 5-8 at the Tim Hortons Iceplex, Rochester Ice Center and Canandaigua Civic Center.
The USHL is proud to partner with Wegmans for a four-day event encompassing a pair of regular-season USHL games between the Green Bay Gamblers and Des Moines Buccaneers, as well as 14U, 15U, 16U and 18U tournaments. Every USHL team will have a scouting representative at the youth tournament. Green Bay and Des Moines will play Thursday, December. 5 at 7:05 p.m. ET and Friday, December. 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Both games will be played at the Tim Hortons Iceplex. Tickets are on sale now. The Gamblers are tied for having the most NHL draft picks per USHL team with Will Zellers (North Dakota/COL), William Samuelsson (DAL), Christian Kirsch (UMass/SJS), Vasily Zelenov (Wisconsin/BUF) and Norwin Panocha (BUF). Des Moines forward Ben Kevan (Arizona State) is among top rookie scorers in the USHL and projected to be an early selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Youth tournament games will begin Friday, December 6 at 8 a.m. ET and conclude with the final game starting Sunday, December 8 at 4:15 p.m. ET. To learn more about the USHL and the American Cup, visit ushl.com. ABOUT THE USHL The United States Hockey League (USHL) is the top junior ice hockey league in North America, with a proven track record of developing elite talent for the National Hockey League (NHL) and NCAA Division I college hockey. The USHL features 16 teams located throughout the Midwest and Great Plains, providing a competitive and developmental platform for players aged 16 to 20. www.ushl.com  Monroe County will welcome thousands of athletes and spectators this weekend and next as it hosts the Premier Ice Prospects Roc City Girls Fest. This prestigious hockey tournament will feature 16 divisions and 194 teams, attracting more than 10,000 attendees to local hockey facilities across the county, including the Tim Hortons Iceplex.
The Roc City Girls Fest, taking place from October 25th-27th and November 1st-3rd, promises to be a thrilling showcase of female hockey talent. Players from all corners of the US will compete in the event, which is the largest girls hockey tournament in the nation. “We’re excited to bring the Roc City Girls Fest back to Rochester for another year,” said Brian Oliver, Tournament Director. “The city’s rich hockey tradition and strong support for girls’ hockey make it the perfect place to showcase this incredible sport on a national level.” “The growth of girls’ ice hockey has been remarkable, and Rochester has emerged as a leading center for this sport in the United States,” said Chris Woodworth, Executive Director of Tim Hortons Iceplex. “Premier Ice Prospects has been instrumental in this development, and we’re honored that they’ve chosen Rochester to host their renowned Roc City Girls Fest. This event is a testament to the dedication and talent of female athletes, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our community.” “The Roc City Girls Fest is a perfect example of the power of sports tourism to impact our local economy,” said Don Jeffries, President & CEO, Visit Rochester. “The tourism and hospitality industry generates more than $1 billion in economic impact, and events like Roc City Girls Fest play an integral role in the strength of this industry. We are thrilled to welcome thousands of youth athletes and their families to Rochester for this event. While here for the competition, these visitors will stay in local hotels, dine at local restaurants, shop locally and further contribute to the economic impact of tourism.” Based on the Destinations International Economic Impact Calculator, it is estimated that the ROC City Girls Fest will generate a total economic impact of over $10 million for Monroe County. Premier Ice Prospects ROC City Girls Fest When: October 25-27 & November 1-3 Event Headquarters: Tim Hortons Iceplex 2700 Brighton Henrietta Townline Road Rochester, NY 14623 Full Event Information: roc-city-girls-fest.premiericeprospects.com/details Media Contact: Brian Oliver [email protected] ### ABOUT PREMIER ICE PROSPECTS Premier Ice Prospects was created with a passion and focus to provide female players the MOST Premier experiences and exposure opportunities. Director of Girls' Hockey, Kathy Pippy and her team have worked with hundreds of NCAA D1 and US & Canadian National team players over the past 15 years. Their passionate leadership, along with the best relationships in the game, will continue to guide the current and future prospects to the next level. Just Get Good Tournaments & Evolve Hockey Launch 2024-25 Youth Hockey Season with Kick Off Classic9/6/2024
 ROCHESTER, NY (September 6, 2024) – The highly anticipated 2024-25 youth hockey tournament season opens this weekend with the Kick Off Classic, organized by Just Get Good Tournaments and Evolve Hockey.
Attracting teams from across the nation, the event spans two consecutive weekends, with the first installment kicking off today, September 6th, and running through September 8th. This opening weekend features 63 teams competing in the 7U to 12U age groups. The Kick Off Classic is projected to generate a significant economic impact on Monroe County. According to the Destinations International Economic Impact Calculator, this weekend's tournament alone is estimated to contribute $3.3 million to the local economy. "Rochester is a renowned sports tourism destination, and we are delighted to inaugurate this season with Just Get Good's exciting back-to-back events," said Chris Woodworth, Executive Director at Tim Hortons Iceplex. "This year's tournament schedule boasts 21 events, forecast to contribute tens of millions of dollars to the local economy." “Visit Rochester is thrilled to be welcoming Just Get Good Kick-Off Classic back to Rochester,” said Don Jeffries, president & CEO, Visit Rochester. “We are excited to welcome coaches, staff and thousands of the most talented youth hockey players from around the country here to Rochester – over the course of two weekends! Events like Evolve Hockey play a major role in the overall impact of sports tourism and the hospitality industry on Monroe County.” Tournament Details: Dates & Times: Friday, September 6th: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday, September 7th: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday, September 8th: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Locations: Tim Hortons Iceplex Rochester Ice Center Gene Polisseni Center Greater Canandaigua Civic Center Lakeshore Hockey Arena Paul Louis Arena Brockport College For complete event information, please visit: www.jggtourneys.com  Rochester, NY (June 21, 2024) – Premier Ice Prospects (PIP), the nation's leading organizer of girls hockey events, is hosting a series of events in Rochester, New York, starting today and running through Thursday, June 27th. These events offer elite female players from across the United States a chance to compete, develop their skills, and gain exposure to college coaches.
The events kick off with the PIP's Rochester Tournament, a three-day competition featuring 31 girls hockey teams at the Tim Hortons Iceplex (June 21-23). The tournament is expected to generate an economic impact of over $1.4 million for Monroe County. Following the tournament, three overnight player development camps will take place (June 23-27), featuring over 300 participants that will be housed in dorms on the Monroe Community College Campus. These camps provide athletes with the opportunity to:
“Visit Rochester is thrilled to be welcoming Premier Ice Prospects back to Rochester. The weather may be getting warmer but we welcome the opportunity to host hockey events in Rochester at the Tim Horton’s Iceplex all year round,” said Don Jeffries, president & CEO, Visit Rochester. “We are delighted to host Premier Ice Prospects and visiting athletes for multiple events in June here in Rochester. Events like the PIP tournaments play a major role in the overall economic impact of the hospitality and tourism industry in Monroe County.” The total estimated economic impact of these events is projected to be over $2.5 million. PIP's Rochester Tournament Details Dates: June 21-23 Location: Tim Hortons Iceplex Teams: 31 Game Schedule: click here PIP Camp Details Dates: June 23-27 Location: Tim Hortons Iceplex & Monroe Community College Participants: 312 from across the United States Full Information: click here xxx About Premier Ice Prospects Premier Ice Prospects was created with a passion and focus to provide female players the MOST Premier experiences and exposure opportunities. Director of Girls' Hockey, Kathy Pippy and her team have worked with hundreds of NCAA D1 and US & Canadian National team players over the past 15 years. Their passionate leadership, along with the best relationships in the game, will continue to guide the current and future prospects to the next level. www.premiericeprospects.com About Tim Hortons Iceplex Tim Hortons Iceplex is a 176,000 square foot, participatory sports facility centrally located on the campus of Monroe Community College, in Rochester N.Y. It is home to 4 NHL sized ice rinks, including Chick-fil-A Arena, which can accommodate 1,750 spectators. The facility is home to Lattimore Physical Therapy, Lattimore Fitness, Chef's Bar & Grill, ScorZone Golf Center & Lounge and a Visit Rochester Tourism Center. Tim Hortons Iceplex hosts 1.5 Million visitors annually, generating an annual economic impact of over $60 million dollars to Monroe County. www.timhortonsiceplex.com  Tim Horton's Iceplex is excited to announce it will be hosting the 585 PIP Showcase this weekend. The event, organized by Premier Ice Prospects, is designed to provide elite female hockey players with a platform to develop their skills and gain exposure to college scouts.
This premier showcase brings together aspiring college prospects with top NCAA Division 1 coaches for an unparalleled development experience. Recognizing the importance of scouting and recruiting, the 585 PIP Showcase ensures each player receives instruction from a diverse range of NCAA coaches throughout the weekend by rotating them across teams. The 216 participants from across the US will be placed on teams with other elite players, maximizing their learning potential under the guidance of experienced NCAA coaches. In addition to the 24 NCAA Division 1 programs actively participating in the showcase, over 40 total Division 1 and Division 3 programs are expected to be in attendance for scouting purposes. Event Details: Dates: June 7-10, 2024 Location: Tim Horton's Iceplex (2700 Brighton Henrietta Townline Rd., Rochester, NY 14623) Age Group: 2007-2009 Birth Years For more information, including the full event schedule, please visit the Premier Ice Prospects website. Website: premiericeprospects.com/585 xxx About Premier Ice Prospects Premier Ice Prospects was created with a passion and focus to provide female players the MOST Premier experiences and exposure opportunities. Director of Girls' Hockey, Kathy Pippy and her team have worked with hundreds of NCAA D1 and US & Canadian National team players over the past 15 years. Their passionate leadership, along with the best relationships in the game, will continue to guide the current and future prospects to the next level. www.premiericeprospects.com  Tim Hortons Iceplex is thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual Rinks To Links Golf Classic, Friday, August 23rd at Blue Heron Hills Golf Course! This exciting event serves as a crucial fundraiser for "The Ultimate Assist," a program that strengthens our ability to make ice sports more accessible to deserving members of our local community.
Since our establishment as a non-profit in 1998, Tim Hortons Iceplex has become a cornerstone of our community. We've served over 1.5 million visitors annually and generated millions of dollars in economic impact for Monroe County, all while enhancing the quality of life for our residents. One of our greatest passions is our world-class "Growth of the Game" initiatives. These programs were designed to raise awareness for ice sports and provide instruction to members of our community who wouldn't traditionally have this opportunity. To achieve this each year, Tim Hortons Iceplex offers:
A portion of the proceeds from the Rinks To Links Golf Classic will directly fund these important initiatives, allowing those less fortunate to experience the joys of ice sports! Event Details:
Tim Hortons Iceplex is proud to announce the inaugural Guardian's Cup, a first-responders hockey tournament taking place this weekend, April 12th through 14th, 2024.
This exciting event brings together hockey teams comprised of firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and military members from across New York State. The weekend will showcase camaraderie and fierce competition on the ice, all while raising critical funds for the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP). "The Guardian's Cup is more than just a hockey tournament," says Chris Brewster, organizer of the event. "It's a tribute to the resilience, courage, and spirit of service that define our first responders." Highlights of the Weekend:
About NYLEAP NYLEAP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of New York's first responders and their families. With over 40 years of experience, they provide critical assistance in tackling challenges like PTSD and suicide. Their mission is to reduce stress, improve productivity, and foster healthier communities for those who safeguard our communities. Learn more and donate at www.nyleap.org.  NEW YORK – Tim Hortons is excited to be celebrating the grand opening of the newly renamed Tim Hortons® Iceplex on Feb. 23 with a day of free skating for the local community to enjoy, as well as giveaways of Timbits® youth hockey jerseys while supplies last.*
The Tim Hortons Iceplex is a community hub for tournaments, special events, and enriching community programming – highlighting the new multi-year sponsorship between Tim Hortons and the Monroe Community Sports Centre Corp (MCSCC). “Given our brand’s extensive history with hockey and our love for fostering community, Tim Hortons is honored to join with MCSCC and to be a part of this incredible facility. This relationship will allow us to serve even more members of the Rochester community, while continuing to sport our love for the hockey fanbase. We’re inviting the whole community to come join us for the grand opening!” said Katerina Glyptis, Regional President of Tim Hortons US. Members of the community can join us at the Tim Hortons Iceplex (located at 2700 Brighton Henrietta Townline Road) starting at 10:45 a.m. for a chance to take to the ice for a free skate. An official ribbon cutting ceremony is open to all to attend at 11:30 a.m. Community members who would like to register for free skating will need to sign up at www.timhortonsiceplex.com. Free skating is first come first serve and will be available during the following timeslots: 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. 7:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. "The grand opening of the Tim Hortons Iceplex marks a thrilling new chapter for this beloved community hub," says Chris Woodworth, Executive Director of Tim Hortons Iceplex. "This relationship with Tim Hortons goes far beyond just a name change. It signifies a shared commitment to fostering a vibrant future for sports and recreation in Rochester. We're excited to welcome the community to celebrate with us on February 23rd, enjoy a day of free skating, and witness the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for the Tim Hortons Iceplex." *200 free youth Timbits jerseys available while supplies last. One per child. About Tim Hortons® Tim Hortons® is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of guest tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, teas and our famous Iced Capp® Beverages), baked goods, hot breakfast sandwiches, breakfast snacking items and other food products. Tim Hortons has more than 5,700 systemwide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and around the world. More information about the company is available at timhortons.com. |
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February 2025
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