Why Not Youth Hockey?

"In our backyard we have amazing youth hockey teams who are playing on a national level and you can watch for free!"

Why are we willing to shell out hundreds of dollars, sit in an hour of traffic pre and post-game, while spending $15 on beer and concessions watching the Sabres lose?  Yet, literally in our backyard we have amazing youth hockey teams who are playing on a national level and you can watch often for free or under $10!  Between the Buffalo Jr. Sabres teams to the Amherst Youth Hockey teams playing at the Northtown Center, four-rink facility in Amherst, NY, which hosts USA Hockey Nationals for multiple age levels every year; there is no reason to only pay to see the pros.  Now don't get me wrong, I love going to a Sabres game at least once a year because it's a great atmosphere when you're spending time with 19,070 other people who share at least one thing in common with you, a love for Buffalo sports. 

Coming from the referee perspective, I believe youth hockey has been revolutionized with USA Hockey's initiatives.  In an attempt to better the game, in my opinion, they have lessened the quality of talent at a local level as compared to Hockey Canada.  It is a different style of play up in the Great White North and it often trumps the USA Hockey talent.  Yet don't let this turn you off because the United States is churning out young players like never before.  And its not just boys playing hockey anymore, the girls game is rapidly growing as well!

Next time you want to go to watch a hockey game, avoid yourself the financial troubles and other difficulties associated with seeing a professional sports game and give youth sports a chance!  Especially at the Nationals level you won't regret it!

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