While this season’s inaugural Patriots Cup Tournament was an unqualified success, fans of the old Coastal Cup Tournament, as well as others, are in for a treat next week as the original four Coastal Cup teams gather together for a charity shootout contest.  On Sunday, February 17, at 4:00 PM at the Abbey, the Patriots will host the Middletown Islanders, Mt. Hope Huskies, and Rogers Vikings in an event to support the Hockey Fights Cancer campaign sponsored by the National Hockey League. This will be an exciting and entertaining occasion, featuring not only the shootout tournament, but other team and individual skills based events, too.

Shootouts, are not ordinarily seen in Rhode Island High School Hockey.  In the current format of play, shootouts take place only in playoff games that are tied at the end of two overtime periods.  This tournament among the rival teams will be a pure shootout right from the start.  Each team will provide a goalie and five shooters competing for the championship.

The tournament is being held to raise money to support the Hockey Fights Cancer program.  Donations will be gratefully accepted at the event, and 100 percent of all contributions will be forwarded to the NHL’s drive to beat cancer.  More information on the Hockey Fights Cancer campaign can be found by clicking on the following link.  http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25343.

There is not another event like this this season.  It is going to be a lot of fun, and even better, it is to support a worthy cause.  Come on out to the Abbey for the Coastal Cup Shootout, have a good time, and help beat cancer.  See you at the rink.