The Winter Olympics are underway in Milan and Cortina, but Italy isn’t the only place celebrating winter sports. Young female hockey players from all around the country are right here in Erie for the Sarah Backstrom Memorial Tournament.
The Sarah Backstrom Memorial Tournament is back for its 32nd year, welcoming more than 90 teams and over 1,600 athletes to Erie Insurance Arena, the Flo Fabrizio Ice Center, and the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
Matches run from early morning through late evening, with age groups ranging from 10U to 19U — all showcasing the growing visibility of women’s hockey.
“These women and these girls that play hockey, you know, they just don’t get recognized the way they should.” explained Amy Work, who works for Lake Effect Hockey
The tournament honors Sarah Backstrom, a former Erie Lady Lion who passed away from leukemia in 1999. What began as a small local event has grown into a national platform for girls’ hockey — while also giving back.
“It’s so important to realize that this is not just hockey. It goes way deeper than that. And to remember all the lives lost to cancer… this is very important to everyone. I think everybody here knows what we’re doing is so important — to keep going and to keep doing this.” said Eva, a hockey player from Philadelphia
A portion of the proceeds again benefits the Mario Lemieux Foundation, supporting pediatric leukemia research and awareness.
“Organizers say this has become one of the biggest hockey events in the country, all while celebrating the legacy of Sarah.” Stephanie Logue explained
“Sarah had a huge part in hockey and such a love for the game that it’s so important everyone remembers who Sarah was, and the heart she had on and off the ice.” said Amy.
Tournaments like this continue to make a positive impact on future generations — all while ensuring Sarah’s influence on the sport is never forgotten.