Rink Rat

20th Annual Rink Rat Tournament expected to generate over $1Million in economic stimulus for Capital District businesses


WHO: Troy Albany Youth Hockey Association, approximately 800 families from the USA and Canada.

WHAT: 20th annual "Rink Rat" youth hockey tournament.

WHERE: 131 games will be held in 8 area hockey facilities in Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties.

WHEN: February 15th - February 18th, 2013.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Over 900 players from 58 teams will participate in the Rink Rat. The teams are from 7 states, and 2 provinces including teams from Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Boston, Montreal, Quebec, and Princeton, making it one the largest youth hockey tournaments in New York State

- According to the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, this tournament will generate over $1-Million in economic stimulus for Capital District businesses, and over $50-thousand in sales tax revenues to local governments.

- Saturday February 16th, there will be a "Rat Roast" in Troy, featuring a bonfire, fireworks, food from the Dinosaur BBQ, music, games, and more for participating teams and their families.

- Participating rinks include the Albany County Hockey Facility, the Knickerbacker Arena (Lansingburgh), the Frear Park Skating Rink (Troy), the Conway Ice Area (HVCC), RPI and Union's rinks, the Albany Academy Rink and the Clifton Park Arena.

- The tournament takes place during USA Hockey's "Hockey Across America Weekend." This weekend is to celebrate hockey throughout the nation. Friday's theme is "Wear Your Jersey Day;" Saturday's theme is "Try Hockey Day;" and Sunday's theme is "Celebrate Local Heroes Day." To celebrate local heroes the Rensselaer and Albany County Sheriff Departments will serve as honor guards during championship games and these games will also feature the Albanettes, Albany High School's all female a cappella group.

 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT:
"The City of Troy is passionate about hockey and proud of its tradition of success at the youth and collegiate levels. The Rink Rat Tournament is a fantastic way to bring people into the Capital District to celebrate the area's youth programs and highlight our area's athletic facilities and amenities," said City of Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia. "A tremendous amount of planning and hard work goes into this special event, and I want to thank all the individuals who have contributed to its growing success. The Troy Albany Youth Hockey Association is the driving force behind this competition, and I wish the teams all the best during the Rink Rat Tournament."

"The Rink Rat Tournament is a great event for our region's economy and for the teams involved as well," said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. "This tournament will show that the region is a wonderful place to visit and one that has first-class sporting facilities. The Troy Albany Youth Hockey Association is doing a terrific job in bringing such talented youngsters together for what promises to be a great hockey tournament. The association deserves our thanks for its effort to make the tournament such a huge success and helping kids learn about sportsmanship. These types of events enable us to showcase all the good things we have in the region."

"The Troy Albany Youth Hockey Program provides a wonderful opportunity for players to develop skills that will carry them beyond the ice and guide them throughout life. We are delighted that they will hold their Rink Rat Tournament here in Rensselaer County and at other ice rinks throughout the Capital Region. We wish all the players the best of luck and hope that they and their families will take advantage of the outstanding hospitality of our lodging, food and other retail venues," said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino.

"Congratulations to Bill Andrews and the Troy Albany Youth Hockey Association on their 20th Youth Hockey Tournament," said Albany County Comptroller Michael F. Conners, II. "The tournament gives over 800 young hockey players the chance to show the Capital Region the future college, Olympic and NHL hockey players in advance. Our fantastic facilities give the teams and families the opportunity to enjoy world-class facilities in a Capital setting."

Rensselaer County Sheriff Jack Mahar along with Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple are partnering together during the tournament and had this to say, "This tournament is not only good for the local economy, but it's great to see our youth participating in team sports. The more kids stay involved in sports and academics, the less chance of having an encounter with law enforcement....please take a moment and stop by our SAFE CHILD ID booth and have an ID made for your child. Be safe."

 

- Contact Bill Andrews for more information: (518) 250-8419; troyalbanytournaments@gmail.com