BUFFALO, N.Y. — There's a new location for the Backyard Classic this year.
This annual charity 3-on-3 hockey tournament, held at Canalside last year, moved to Buffalo RiverWorks this year. The event is being held this weekend.
In its 15 years the event, which started in Chris Taggart's backyard, it has raised more than $300,000 for local causes. The benefactor this year was chosen after Taggart experienced a personal tragedy in 2022.
"So unfortunately our daughter, Lauren, passed away in a car accident March 7, two years ago, and meeting up with P.U.N.T. was sort of a perfect match for the tournament, as far as Lauren's legacy going forward," Taggart said.
Taggart saw a need for more available counseling for friends and family following a traumatic loss. That's where P.U.N.T. can step in.
The executive director, Gwen Mysiak, explained: "Yeah, we really have realized that, you know, we started working with families after a loss to pediatric cancer back in 2013. And just saw, you know how much they needed it peer support. Together, we understand each other's journeys.
"This is hard stuff to talk about. It's hard stuff to think about, but we've really made it a priority at P.U.N.T. to kind of move that dialogue forward because we know that you know, death is a part of life. We're all going to experience it, and we support each other and walk together. It just makes it a little less difficult to carry so don't shy away from them."
The two-day tourney is April 6 and 7 at Buffalo RiverWorks, Even if you can't skate, you can be part of the team. There's a volunteer tab on their website, and you can click on that sign up for things such as scorekeeping, ice maintenance, referees, registration and more.
The website is www.BuffaloBackyardClassic.com.