 ROCHESTER, N.Y., Thursday, December 1, 2022 – The United States Hockey League (USHL) is bringing the top junior hockey in the nation to Rochester for the 2nd annual USHL American Cup Powered by Wegmans from December 1-4 at Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex and Rochester Ice Center. The USHL is proud to partner with Wegmans to put on this specialty event, which features a pair of regular season USHL games, in addition to a three day youth hockey tournament.
The USHL is the only Tier I Junior Hockey League in the United States and is composed of the best 16 to 20-year old hockey players from across the globe. When the USHL comes to Rochester, it will bring with it the Green Bay Gamblers and Youngstown Phantoms, two of the League's 16 Member Clubs. The Phantoms enter the game with four NHL Draft selections including James Fisher (Columbus Blue Jackets, 2022, Round 7, #203) and Reese Laubach (San Jose Sharks, 2022, Round 7, #217) as well as Shane Lachance (Edmonton Oilers, 2021, Round 6, #186) and Tomas Machu (New York Islanders, 2021, Round 7, #221) while the Gamblers have Seattle Kraken prospect Barrett Hall (2022, Round 6, #164) on their roster Youth and amateur sporting events, including the large number of hockey tournaments that Rochester hosts annually, play an important role in the overall economic impact of the tourism and hospitality industry in Monroe County. Prior to the pandemic, the economic impact of the tourism industry in Monroe County exceeded $1 billion, and was responsible for more than 20,000 jobs. In 2021 (most recently available data), the economic impact of tourism in Monroe County totaled more than $994 million, indicating a near total recovery for the industry following the pandemic. Sports tourism, including events like the USHL American Cup, play an integral role in the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in Monroe County. These events bring scores of athletes and fans to Monroe County. These visitors will in turn stay at local hotels, spend money at area restaurants and shops, utilize local services and much more. It is estimated that the USHL American Cup will generate $725,165 in direct visitor spending, with a total economic impact of $1,245,564, according to Tourism Economics Event Impact Calculator. “The United States Hockey League is the premier Junior Hockey League in the United States, with many of their players advancing to the highest levels of ice hockey in the World”, said Chris Woodworth, Executive Director of Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex. “It is truly an honor for Rochester to host this event, but is a great opportunity of fans of the game to witness two of the USHL teams compete in regular season games, as these are the future stars of the game of ice hockey.” “We’re honored to welcome these athletes to our community to showcase their talents over the next several days,” said Don Jeffries, President & CEO Visit Rochester. “I encourage locals and visitors alike to come out and watch these elite athletes compete in Rochester.” USHL games are scheduled for December 1 and 2. Don't miss a second of the action and be sure to secure your seat today at www.billgraysiceplex.com. Advance tickets are $15.00, and also available at the door for $18 until sold out. All sales are final with no refunds. Event Highlights
ABOUT VISIT ROCHESTER Visit Rochester is the official tourism promotion agency for Greater Rochester and Monroe County. Visit Rochester is a membership organization with over 400 members representing, lodging, retail, restaurants, services, and community organizations. Working together with our members and partners, our mission is to sell and market Greater Rochester as a preferred destination in order to grow and maximize visitor spending and to enhance the economy. The economic impact of the tourism and hospitality industry in Monroe County is more than $1 Billion, and supports nearly 20,000 jobs. To learn more go to visitrochester.com. ABOUT USHL The United States Hockey League and its member clubs are committed to being the leading amateur athlete development league in the world. The USHL aspires to develop elite players, students, coaches, referees, hockey staff and business personnel, helping them become the best players, professionals and people they can be. The USHL is committed to being a leader in the hockey world and in the communities in which its member teams reside. ABOUT BILL GRAY’S REGIONAL ICEPLEX Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex is a 176,000 square foot multi-use sports facility located on the campus of Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY. The venue features four NHL-sized ice rinks and one 1,750-seat arena and a restaurant and tap room. Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex serves 1.7 million visitors annually. Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex is located at 2700 Brighton Henrietta Townline Road, Rochester, NY 14623. |