Cazenovia Park Hockey Association

The Cazenovia Park Youth Hockey Association is a youth hockey organization in South Buffalo, NY. Its teams are named the Cazenovia Chiefs. It offers youth hockey for players ages 4-18. It houses its own "house league" at the mite level, made up of 5 or 6 teams that exclusively play each other and are named after NHL teams (ie the Sabres, Blackhawks, etc). A player is eligible for novice his or her first year at age 4. Mites is for ages 5-8. Squirts is for ages 9-10. Peewees for 11-12. Bantam for 13-14. And midgets for ages 15-18. Each level after mites offers MOHL team(s), which play in different rinks but are not considered "travel teams". Each level other than novice also offers travel teams on a "major, minor" system.

Building

The CPYHA is housed in Timothy J. Burvid Ice Rink in South Buffalo, New York. It was previously an outdoor rink, but the current building was constructed around the rink in the 1970s. In the past, the rink has hosted State Championships at various age levels, as well as the occasional appearance by a current Buffalo Sabres player to sign autographs and skate with fans.These appearances have included Steve Shields and Brian Holzinger, among others. In addition, Sabres alumni events have been held at the rink, as well as a Sabres practice. The rink is closed following the youth hockey season, and the ice service is melted down. This is usually around the beginning of April. The rink usually reopens in late August-early September.

Uniforms

All Cazenovia uniforms other than those of Mite House teams are a Chicago Blackhawks template with Cazenovia's unique logo on the front.

Notable Alumni

*Patrick Kane- #1 overall draft pick in the 2007 NHL draft to the Chicago Blackhawks
*Peter Ratchuk- Former NHL defenseman for the Florida Panthers
*Tim Kennedy- NHL draft pick of the Washington Capitals and current player on Michigan State. His contract rights are currently owned by the Buffalo Sabres.
*Michael Ratchuk- younger brother of Peter Ratchuk, NHL draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, and current player on Michigan State.

Trivia

The Zamboni currently used at TJB ice rink was formerly used at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium during Buffalo Sabres games.

External links

[http://www.cazhockey.com/] - Official CPYHA site.