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WVU Medicine Helping Youth Hockey Teams Take the Ice

photo by: Niamh Coomey

From left, Jessica Moore, Wheeling Hospital associate vice president of foundation and community relations, introduces Wheeling Central Catholic High School hockey coach and West Virginia Hockey League President PJ Ratcliffe and WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital President and CEO Douglass Harrison at a press conference Tuesday.

Hockey players will arrive in Wheeling in droves this weekend for the state youth hockey tournament sponsored by WVU Medicine.

WesBanco Arena will host three days of festivities and competitive games for the West Virginia State Hockey Championship from Friday to Sunday. In addition to the high school and middle school hockey playoffs, there will also be a college and professional game for the youth players and those in the Wheeling area to enjoy.

WVU Medicine announced its title sponsorship Tuesday.

“That’s a lot of hockey at a local level,” Wheeling Hospital President and CEO Douglass Harrison said. “We are super excited to be the presenting sponsor of this event and support youth activities in our local community but also around the state. We’re thrilled to be a partner with this.”

The Wheeling Nailers’ NHL affiliate team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, are also sponsoring the tournament, and Bill’s Towing will be providing free tickets to all students in attendance.

This year’s tournament will be “bigger and better than ever,” with hockey fans, families and professional players gathering in one place for community engagement and hockey games at all levels.

Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder will speak at a reception dinner for coaches, players and their families on Friday night, catered by Undo’s Italian Restaurant.

Amid the ongoing matchups at high school and middle school levels, there will also be a game between WVU and Robert Morris University on Friday evening.

The Nailers and Reading Royals will also take to the ice to compete Saturday evening.

On Sunday, the youth teams will compete in their respective championship games. The winning middle school team will take home the Dick Riley Trophy and the winning high school team will take home the Bob Otten Trophy.

Harrison emphasized that the tournament at the Friendly City’s home venue will bring a lot of visitors and action to Wheeling over the weekend.

“How fortunate are we to have WesBanco Arena right in our backyard, have professional hockey here at a local level and then to be able to host these students from around the state here in Wheeling?” Harrison said. “It brings people to Wheeling and it brings exposure to our great city and what we have to offer.”

Nailers Broadcaster DJ Abisalih said he is excited for the chance to host hockey players from across the state in their home venue. Abisalih said he’s gotten to watch the youth players grow as they have moved through the levels of the sport.

“We’re extremely thrilled, we can’t wait to see the games, how competitive they’re going to be, ultimately see a champion get crowned and have an outstanding hockey weekend here in Wheeling. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Abisalih said.

PJ Ratcliffe, the head coach of Wheeling Central Catholic High School’s hockey team and president of the West Virginia State Hockey League said the tournament helps the student athletes and the league gain exposure, he said.

“It’s not only great for everybody that comes to it but more importantly the kids,” Ratcliffe said.

Sponsorship opportunities are still open for this weekend’s tournament.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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