(PHILADELPHIA, PA – February 24, 2010) – The 2010 ESYHF City League Playoffs are set to begin tonight in Kensington as the Scanlon Cats host the Rizzo Troopers. Game time is 5:30pm.

The ESYHF City League was formed in 2009 when Foundation participants from all of the Philadelphia Department of Recreation city rinks were split into teams based upon age and skill level.

The Senior Division is comprised of players between the ages of 12-15 who play at an intermediate/advanced level. Teams competing in the Senior Division include the Cobbs Creek Coyotes (Laura Sims Skate House – West Phila), Rizzo Troopers (Rizzo Rink – South Phila), Scanlon Cats (Scanlon Ice Rink - Kensington) and the Simons Sonics (Simons Ice Rink – West Oak Lane).

In the Junior Division, players are between the ages of 8-11 and also play at an intermediate/advanced level. Teams competing in the Junior Division include the Cobbs Creek Jr. Coyotes, Scanlon Jr. Cats, Simons Jr. Sonics and the Tarken Tiger-Hawks from Tarken Ice Rink in Northeast Philadelphia.

Beginning in December, all of the rink teams began playing a series of games within their respective divisions. Now that the regular season has concluded, teams are focused on the playoffs, where they will compete for the inaugural Mayor’s Cup.

Each team will compete in a semi-final matchup this week with the Championship games for each division scheduled to take place this Saturday, February 27.

The Senior Championship game will be held at the Laura Sims Skate House at 1:30pm and the Junior Championship game will be held at the Scanlon Ice Rink at 10:45am.

Admission to all ESYHF City League playoff games is free and all fans are encouraged to attend!

The mission of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation is to use the sport of hockey to help educate young people to succeed in the game of life. The program incorporates on-ice and off-ice activities, stressing citizenship, academics, and life skills. ESYHF services are targeted for boys and girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn to skate or to play ice hockey. The Foundation provides equipment, ice time, and experienced coaching at no cost.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010