Over 70 Teams to Arrive for Annual Girls Hockey Tournament

The 30th Annual Sarah Backstrom Memorial Girls Hockey Tournament is scheduled for this weekend, with more than 70 girls hockey teams scheduled to compete. The event will begin on Friday and run through Monday.

The event operated by Lake Effect Hockey, honors the memory of Sarah Backstrom, a former Erie Lady Lion hockey player who died of leukemia in 1999. The tournament has since become one of the longest-running girls’ hockey tournaments in the U.S. and Canada.

“We are excited and honored to be hosting the 30th anniversary edition of the Sarah Backstrom Tournament,” said Jason Fowler, owner of Lake Effect Hockey. “Girls’ hockey is growing, and we are happy to have more than 70 teams traveling to Erie from all over the country to participate. This year will see teams traveling from as far as Anaheim, Tampa and Orlando, in addition to the growing number of organizations that return every year. Seeing this tournament grow from barely 100 participants six years ago to more than 1,300 is truly remarkable and we are thankful to be a part of this amazing event."

The tournament will feature players ranging in age from nine to 19.

For more information visit 2024 Sarah Backstrom Memorial Tournament — Lake Effect Tournament Series (lakeeffecthockey.com)

In addition, there will be two OVR Juniors Volleyball Tournaments happening at the Erie Sports Center, featuring a girls 15 regional on Saturday and 16 regionals on Sunday. All teams will advance to the playoffs. Erie Sports Center will be hosting additional girls’ volleyball regionals on Feb. 24-25, March 2-3, and April 20-21. 

For more information visit OVR-USA Juniors' Tournament Schedule 2024

On Saturday, Fairview Parks and Rec will host the third annual Ice Chains Open Disc Golf Tournament at Pleasant Ridge Park. This event is open for registration and welcomes all skill levels. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. and the tournament begins at 11 a.m.

For more information visit Sporting Events in Erie County, Pa - Erie Sports Commission.