Last weekend, in Buffalo, New York the PUCCS foundation put on a charity event to raise money for childhood concussion awareness. The event was held at the Harbor Center in the heart of downtown Buffalo. There were 8 teams full of college/junior/pro players that competed in the event. Anne McCooey the executive director managed and organized the great event. As she said multiple times over the weekend "any team could have won the tournament" which made it something to remember. Each teamgave everything they had until the final second of each game. The event takes place every year in Buffalo and if any men's leagues teams that have players over 18 should consider entering the event to support the PUCCS foundation and spread the word.

 

The most important part of the tournament is the spreading of concussion awareness in all sports for children and adults. Concussions are something that should be taken very seriously and should be monitored at all times. The return to play protocol is something that needs to be carefully followed by all parents. For many athletes, they are rushed back or parents want them to play that next big game which in the short run great, but in the long run can do serious damage to the individual. For myself, and Matt we take concussions very seriously as we both had many throughout our careers as players. Therefore, for this event is was very special for us to partake and spread the word about this great foundation founded in Buffalo by Dr. Elad Levy.

 

 

 

As far as our team it was great to have players from all different levels of Professional, College, and Junior. Our team was put together to support the charity event and eventually came together as a team and pulled of the victory in the final.

 

Roster

 

Brian Kalczynski- Worcester State/ FHL

 

Nick Bailen - KHL Dinamo Minsk

 

Mike Ratchuck- Wheeling Nailers (Philadelphia Flyers 2nd round pick)

 

Matt Barnaby- 14 year NHL veteran

 

Nick Desimone- Union College

 

Kyle Quick- Brown University

 

Richard Harris- Stonehill

 

Justin Hussar- Merrimack

 

Garrett Moore - Fredonia

 

Justin Bailey - Soo Greyhounds/Buffalo Sabres 2nd round pick

 

Vinny Scarsella- Stockton Thunder

 

Andrew Black- Colgate

 

Nate Black- New Jersey Hitmen

 

Owen Green- Northbay Battalion

 

Zaid Hussein- Buffalo State

 

 

 

For more information on PUCCS please visit their website and donate to the great cause:

 

http://puccs.org/