The event raised more than $300,000 for local causes. This year's benefactor was chosen after Chris Taggart experienced a personal tragedy in 2022.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new location has been chosen for this year's Backyard Classic.
This annual charity 3-on-3 hockey tournament was held at Canalside last year, but moved to Buffalo Riverworks this year. An event will be held this weekend.
The event, which started in Chris Taggart's backyard, has raised more than $300,000 for local causes in 15 years. This year's benefactor was chosen after Taggart experienced a personal tragedy in 2022.
“Unfortunately, our daughter Lauren passed away in a car accident two years ago on March 7th. Given Lauren's future legacy, reuniting with PUNT was a perfect fit for the tournament,” Taggart said. he said.
Taggart recognized the need for more accessible counseling for friends and family who have experienced traumatic loss. That's where PUNT can step in.
Executive Director Gwen Misiak explained: “Well, we really realized that we started working with families after he died of childhood cancer in 2013, and we realized how much they needed peer support. Together, we understand each other's journeys.
“This is hard to talk about. It’s hard to think about, but at PUNT we make it a priority to move that conversation forward, because we know that death is a part of life. “We're all going to go through it, and we're going to support each other and walk through it together. It just makes it a little less difficult to carry, so we don't shame them. Please don't.”
The two-day tournament will be held April 6th and 7th at Buffalo Riverworks. You can be part of the team even if you can't skate. Their website has a volunteer tab where you can click and sign up to help with scorekeeping, ice maintenance, officiating, registration, and more.
The website is www.BuffaloBackyardClassic.com.
