ALL AGES HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
April 3 - 4 2027 | BUFFALO, NY
Buffalo's 18th annual premier outdoor pond hockey tournament at Riverworks. All ages, all skill levels, one unforgettable weekend. Scroll down for more info.
100% OF PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN & FAMILIES.
Western New York Compassion Connection
PREVIOUS YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS
THE 2027 BACKYARD CLASSIC
3+ GAME GUARANTEE
Round robin division play (Playoffs for Top Seed Teams TBD)
Two 9 minute periods with 2 min intermission.
10 min break to shovel in between games.
Champions crowned for every age level/ divisions
Full Nets and Goalies - All age levels
6 COVERED RINKS
6 rinks cross ice, played on two full size rinks.
Digital Scoreboard time keeping
Individual Rink Scoreboards
Certified Referees for each game at every age level.
ALL AGES WELCOME
Divisions from 6U to Adult including competitive and recreational divisions.
Men, Women and Mixed Teams are all welcome
Certified Referees for all games at all age levels.
All For Charity
100% of proceeds support grieving children & families.
PUNT/ WNY Compassion Connection
All funds go to program activities for Families, Mom's and Dad's, Grade School, Middle School and High School groups
WHY THIS TOURNAMENT SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR:
🏆 ALL AGES & SKILL LEVELS
Youth Divisions (14 total): Boys & Girls | 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U/18U | House & Travel brackets for each age group
Adult Divisions (4 total): Under 30 Recreational | Under 30 Competitive | Over 30 Recreational | Over 50 Recreational
⛸️ 6 COVERED RINKS
Play cross-ice on two full-size rinks at Buffalo Riverworks Full Nets and Goalies.
Certified Referees for all games all ages
🎯 3+ GAME GUARANTEE + PLAYOFFS
Every team gets at least 3 games, with top seeds advancing to playoff rounds. 20 Minute Games
⏰ TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE & FORMAT ⏰
📅 ONE DAY, ALL YOUR GAMES
All your games—round robin AND playoffs—happen on YOUR scheduled day (Saturday OR Sunday). No coming back the next day. Plan your weekend accordingly!
Please note - depending on when you register, one of the days may be sold out.
⚠️ DON'T WAIT – LAST YEAR SOLD OUT ⚠️
18 years strong and growing every season. Teams travel from across the region for this. Your competition is already forming. Your friends are already talking about it.
The question isn't "should we register?"
The question is "can we still get a spot?"
📍 Buffalo Riverworks, Buffalo, NY
📅 April 3 - 4 2027
💙 Hockey with Heart – Fun with Purpose. All proceeds go to charity for grieving children & families. PUNT/ WNY Compassion Connection
HOCKEY WITH HEART
Helping WNY families when they need it most.
This powerful, grassroots community nonprofit is the “go to” source of assistance in WNY, for families facing pediatric cancer, as well as much needed Grief Counseling for sudden family losses.
We aim to create a community where healing, resilience, and hope flourish, empowering families to thrive, despite their losses.
The Backyard Classic is honored to be part of their team and proud to support their mission!
Every shift you take, every goal you score, every laugh you share with your teammates – it all goes toward helping WNY families when they need it most.
You're not just playing hockey for fun. You're making a real difference while doing it.
SPONSORS
FEATURED ON SABRES LIVE
Buffalo Power Equipment
Tops Friendly Markets
Buffalo Sabres
Dival Safety
Aquest Development
Pace Ice Rinks
New Era Cap
Univera Health Care
Lawley Insurance
Geico
T-Mobile
Tim Hortons
Trusted Nurse Staffing
City Fence
Rebecca Nalbach Photography
FREEZER FULL OF MEAT
We're giving away a freezer full of meat!
COOLER FULL OF BOOZE
Want a cooler full of booze for the upcoming summer?
BASKET RAFFLES
Baskets full of goodies available for taking!
THE BACKYARD CLASSIC EXPERIENCE
INDOOR HEATED LOCKER ROOMS
BARS & RESTAURANT OPEN
MEN, WOMEN & MIXED TEAMS
VENDOR VILLAGE
FULL NETS & GOALIES
POND HOCKEY AT ITS BEST
BENEFITS CHARITY
WNY COMPASSION
CONNECTION
SWAG AVAILABLE
BUFFALO SPORTS AUCTION
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY
