Hasek's Heroes News

BUFFALO, NY -- Hasek's Heroes (Buffalo, N.Y.), an organization founded by NHL great and former Buffalo Sabre Dominik Hasek, which introduces city youth to ice hockey and life skills, has announced the 6th Annual Tim Hortons Backyard Classic outdoor ice hockey tournament (www.timhortonsbackyardclassic.com) raised $11,000 in player fees, sponsorships and donations. Proceeds will be used to construct an educational resource center to expand the organization's programs and community outreach in Buffalo.

This year's event featured 30 teams ranging from mites to middle school to adult, and the first- ever girls division, who competed on four outdoor ice rinks set up at The Angry Buffalo at The Rose Garden (www.angrybuffalo.com) in Lancaster, NY. The Amherst Youth Hockey league (www.amherstyouthhockey.org) was a key supporter of the tournament by entering numerous teams and hosting several fundraisers to generate cash and equipment donations.

Chris Taggart, Territory Manager for CertainTeed Fence, Deck and Rail and a Williamsville, NY resident, managed the facility construction effort. Taggart, who serves as co-chair of the tournament, stated,

"The construction trades and materials suppliers, including DiVal Safety, 84 Lumber, City Fence, Pace Landscaping & Ice Rinks and corporate sponsorships from All Season Rental, CertainTeed, Colligan Law, Freed Maxick CPAs, Great Skate, Jam in the Valley, Rand Capital, and the Buffalo Sabres, were an integral part of the success of our event. This annual tournament has resulted in hundreds of inner city youth being introduced to the game of ice hockey, in addition to providing great community exposure for Hasek's Heroes. Since its founding, the tournament has contributed more than $40,000 to the organization."

Six years ago, East Amherst, NY resident, Nicholas Penberthy, an Honors College student at SUNY Cortland pursuing a degree in childhood education, founded the tournament in his backyard. "As a future teacher, the development of an educational resource center for inner-city children of the Hasek's program was important to me. I hope to one day teach and mentor kids in these classrooms," said Penberthy.

Executive Director of Hasek's Heroes Sean Green said, "The hard work of the volunteers and the leadership of Nick Penberthy and Chris Taggart show how giving people can help change the lives of many children!"

About Tim Horton's Cafe & Bake Shop

Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based beverages, specialty teas, home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, grilled panini, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of November 7, 2013, Tim Hortons had 817 restaurants in the United States and 4,350 restaurants systemwide. To learn more about Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop, visit us on the web or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.