To the Editor:

The Massena Visionaries held a Youth Street Hockey Tournament as part of the Massena Chamber of Commerce's Winter Carnival recently in the Triple A Building Supply parking lot in Massena.

The event was our first of this nature, and hopefully not the last, as the participants seemed to enjoy themselves regardless of the chilly temperatures. We had six divisions, with ages ranging from 6 to 18.

We would like to thank the following for their contributions in making the event such a success; John Schneider and his staff at Triple A for making their facility available, plowing the lot, and being gracious hosts to all of the participants.

The Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce, Mark Morris and the Florida Panthers for their quick turnaround in getting the posters and photos to us while on a road trip. Zach Bogosian of the Winnipeg Jets for signing many items without hesitation. Jess Winchester of the Colorado Avalanche, who despite being hurt, still signed autographed items to be given away. Casey Jones and Jamie Hoose of Clarkson University for donating a signed hockey stick and two pairs of game tickets to an upcoming game.

The Cornwall River Kings for giving us five sets of four tickets to upcoming home games. A. Cappione Inc. and H3Designs for providing the promotional posters and signage for the tournament. Mike Nezezon for gathering teams for us last minute and picking up and dropping off all the nets that were donated. Those who donated their street hockey nets to us Shelly Chilton, Kim Marasco, Chip George, Vince & Karen George, Pat & Tracy Casey, Todd Hartigan & Reanan Thompson, Spencer Warner and Leroy Swamp who refereed games for us, Tori Lashomb who helped us in the concession area,

The Massena Volunteer Rescue Squad, all the parents of the players, and of course the players who turned out in the cold, displayed outstanding sportsmanship and had a lot of fun!

Thank you once again to all involved and look for another exciting event by the Massena Visionaries in the near future. Keep warm and keep smiling, spring is just around the corner!

The Massena Visionaries