PRESS RELEASE
WILLIAMSVILLE – Congressmen Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Chris Collins (NY-27) thanked the United States Air Force for approving a request for a flyover on December 29, 2017 at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) game between the United States and Canada at New Era Field. This game is the only outdoor game planned as part of the World Junior Championship Tournament being hosted in Buffalo. This tournament is one of the most highly anticipated hockey events each year, which brings together hockey players from 10 nations around the world.
“Teams and fans from around the world, here for the games, will have the opportunity to explore Western New York,” said Higgins. “In addition to showcasing the pride we have in our community, this provides an opportunity to highlight, with pride to an international audience, the great men and women who serve this country.”
“Western New York is honored to once again host the World Junior Championship, putting a positive spotlight on our community,” said Collins. “It is an honor to have the United States Air Force participate in this important event. We look forward to showing players and fans from around the world warm hospitality in the City of Good Neighbors.”
Not only is this the first time that a city has been selected twice to host the World Junior Championship game, but Buffalo is also hosting the first ever outdoor International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) championship game.
The 12-day tournament will be an opportunity for tourists to visit new developments across the city, like Canalside. The Sabres and Visit Buffalo Niagara hosted the 2010-2011 series that saw more than 330,000 people attend the games and leave behind a $6 million economic impact. This year, the economic impact is expected to exceed $7 million.
In a letter to the United States Air Force, Collins and Higgins said: “While Western New York is certainly proud of its cold weather, hockey-loving heritage, it is extremely proud of our serving men and women stationed in the region and abroad. Again, we send our sincerest thanks to the Air Force for granting us the opportunity to show off our regional assets in a celebration that many across the world will share with Western New York.”
