Congressmen Chris Collins and Brian Higgins thanked the U.S. Air Force for approving a request for a flyover on Friday, Dec. 29, at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) game between the U.S. 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, and brings together hockey players from 10 nations around the world.
"Western New York is honored to once again host the World Junior Championship, putting a positive spotlight on our community," Collins said. "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."
"Teams and fans from around the world, here for the games, will have the opportunity to explore Western New York," Higgins added. "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."
Not only is this the first time a city has been selected twice to host the World Junior Championship game, but Buffalo is also hosting the first ever outdoor 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 2010-11 series, which 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 Air Force, Collins and Higgins wrote: "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."
For a copy of the letter, click
HERE.
