Rye Rangers PeeWee A Wins 2009 JDRF Shootout
Pelham Hockey Tournament Raises $5,400 for Juvenile Diabetes

Above, Kayla Ketchabaw from the Rye Rangers, a 7 year old recently diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, drops a ceremonial face-off puck to her brother and Rye goaltender, Brian, and Pelham defensemen Timmy Reilly.

 

The Pelham Hockey Association hosted the 2009 JDRF Shootout PeeWee tournament this past weekend at the Ice Hutch in Mount Vernon.  The invitational tournament included 4 local PeeWee teams: the Pelham PeeWee Penguins, Rye Rangers, Mamaroneck Tigers and the Bedford Bears.  The tournament was organized in partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to raise awareness about Juvenile Diabetes throughout the Westchester community.  The tournament was a tremendous success, both on and off the ice.  

On the ice, the Rye Rangers defeated the Bedford Bears to take home the championship trophy on Sunday.  The championship game ended in a 2-2 tie during regulation time.  Rye won the title in an exciting shootout behind the strength of their goaltender, Brian Ketchabaw.  Rye Rangers went 4-0 in the tournament, beating Mamaroneck 1-0, Bedford 1-0, Pelham 3-2 and then the championship.  Pat Curran sealed the championship as he and Pierce Crowley both scored in the shoot out and Brian did not give up a goal.

Off the ice, an incredible outpouring of support from family and friends of the Pelham Hockey Association resulted in a first class tournament experience for all involved.  More importantly, through individual donations, the support of the local Pelham business community, a 50/50 raffle and a bake/merchandise sale that ran throughout the weekend, the Pelham Hockey Association was able to raise $5,400 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Diabetes is a disease particularly close to several local hockey programs.  Three siblings of players participating in the JDRF Shootout have Type I Diabetes. 

The Pelham Hockey Association would like to sincerely thank all involved in the tournament including the players, their families and all of the volunteers who helped to make this a great success.