(PHILADELPHIA, PA – March 1, 2010) - From Wednesday to Saturday this past week, the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation and the Philadelphia Department of Recreation hosted playoff games and championships of the inaugural Philadelphia City Series - the culmination of the 2009-2010 ESYHF-Philadelphia City inter-rink league.

Over 175 players represented all five city rinks in two age groups; the Junior age group was comprised of players 11 years old & under; the Senior age group consisted of players 11 years old to 16 years old.

The schedule & travel challenges presented by the winter storms this week did not affect the enthusiasm and energy of the overwhelming crowds at the rinks. Parents, families & friends loudly cheered throughout the games - it was an amazing gathering of the communities.

All players received medals, and following the tradition of the Stanley Cup, the championship teams skated around the rinks holding the championship trophies high to the delight of the crowds.

Game Results:

JUNIOR BRONZE MEDAL GAME (Held at Scanlon Ice Rink in Kensington)

The Simons Jr. Sonics defeated the Scanlon Jr. Cats 3-2 in a thrilling shootout victory to claim the Bronze Medal. The game featured outstanding performances by both goaltenders, Danny Feyler (Simons) and Joey Girnius (Scanlon). After a deadlock in regulation and a 5 minute overtime, the shootout lasted 8 rounds and had total of 16 shooters! The game was finally decided when Simons forward Henry Brolly III scored. It was an amazing effort by both teams.

JUNIOR GOLD MEDAL GAME (Held at Scanlon Ice Rink in Kensington)

The Laura Sims Jr.Coyotes defeated the Tarken Jr. Tiger Hawks 3-2 in a hard fought battle between the teams. The Jr. Tiger Hawks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but solid goaltending by Jr. Coyotes Elias Porter and a full team effort allowed the Jr. Coyotes to tie the game at 2 goals a piece in the final minutes of the third period. The game was undecided after regulation, forcing a sudden death overtime. After a flurry of shots for both teams, Jr. Coyotes forward Nasir Sibert was able to find the back of the net, clinching the victory.

SENIOR BRONZE MEDAL GAME (Held at Laura Sims Skate House in Cobbs Creek Park in West Philadelphia)

The Simons Sonics defeated the Rizzo Troopers 7-2 to claim the Bronze Medal. The Sonics were led Matt Barr who recorded his first hat trick of the season.

SENIOR GOLD MEDAL GAME (Held at Laura Sims Skate House in Cobbs Creek Park in West Philadelphia)

The Scanlon Cats defeated the Laura Sims Coyotes 4-0 behind strong goaltending from Kimberly Feeney and Xavier Lindsey. The Cats withstood an outstanding effort from the Coyotes, with goals from Kaseir Archie, Dave Blon, Adam Perez, and Elizabeth Feeney (her first goal ever).

The mission of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation is to use the sport of hockey to help educate young people to succeed in the game of life. The program incorporates on-ice and off-ice activities, stressing citizenship, academics, and life skills. ESYHF services are targeted for boys and girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn to skate or to play ice hockey. The Foundation provides equipment, ice time, and experienced coaching at no cost.

Monday, March 01, 2010