Cape Cod Lighthouse Hockey Tournament at HYCC

Thanksgiving Weekend Men’s Div. III Tourney Will Feature Local Skaters  

The Inaugural Cape Cod Lighthouse Invitational Men’s College Hockey Tournament taking place Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving on November 26 & 27 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center will feature four of the best hockey teams in college hockey. The tournament is hosted by Babson College and will include teams from Hobart College, Amherst College and Salem State University.  Saturday’s play-down games are schedule for 2pm (Amherst vs. Salem State) and 5pm (Hobart vs. Babson). On Sunday, the Consolation game will be at 12pm and the Championship Game will be at 3pm. 

“The great thing about these schools is that many of their players are from Eastern Mass with a strong presence from the south shore,” said event organizer Ed Gallagher who is a Sandwich resident and Babson Hockey Alum.  “Salem State features Kyle Phelan from Barnstable and Matt Kenline from Yarmouth. The teams are made up of what were the top players in high school hockey. Only the top 11% of high school hockey players end up playing in college. The level of play is exceptional. The tournament will have a great product on the ice.”

  
On Saturday morning at 10AM the weekend will kick off at Sandwich High School with a “Chalk Talk”.  This is a chance for high school students who play any sport, their parents, and coaches to hear from college coaches and student athletes what they should know and expect about the college athletic experience. From recruiting to potential pitfalls that kids run into when they get to campus, this "chalk talk" will include a Q&A session for students, parents, and coaches to ask the college coaches questions that may be on their mind about the process of looking at schools, and once in school, staying there.

  
The idea for this tournament came about after Gallagher watched a game between Barnstable and D-Y at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center last year. The place was packed and he thought it would be a great venue for a college tourney. After speaking to the management at the rink, he contacted Head Coach Jamie Rice at Babson. Within 24 hours, Rice convinced Salem State, Hobart, and Amherst to send their teams.

  
Gallagher’s family has been raising money for Donate Life America for several years. His brother has had 2 heart transplants and a kidney transplant in the last 23 years; he's now 33.  When he approached Donate Life about underwriting the hockey tournament, the nationally acclaimed non-profit organization jumped at the opportunity enthusiastically. Gallagher asserts it's a way to bring two passions, college hockey and promoting organ donation, together.

  
Last year, over 25,000 people's lives were prolonged by life-saving organ transplants. Unfortunately, the need for organs exceeds supply. Eighteen people lose their lives each day across the country wile waiting for life saving organs to come available. “My brother, Timmy, has been very blessed,” said Ed. “Although, they are anonymous, we are grateful to the two Angels who gave their hearts (literally and figuratively) to Timmy.”

Tournament tickets are available at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center Box Office located at 141 Bassett Lane in Hyannis, MA.  Spectators can save $5 on tournament tickets if they make their purchase before Saturday ($15 in advance / $20 day of). Daily tickets will be available and are priced at $12 per day (two games).   Cash, MasterCard and VISA will all be accepted for payment and proceeds will benefit Donate Life America.