THE LEAGUE
The Shamrocks Hockey League™ (SHL™) is the premier hockey development circuit under the umbrella of the Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey Club™. Commencing with the SHL Draft in October, through the regular season, playoffs and championship game in March, this is our education-based in-house, on-ice program to introduce the fun of the game situation, sportsmanship, teamplay in a safe, highly structured teaching environment. Individual fundamentals are emphasized within the advancement, balance and growth and feeds our house and travel teams.
THE PURPOSE
To provide the structured next-step pathway and introduction of competition, game and full season experience, emphasizing individual skill, physical and cognitive growth within team concepts in a teaching culture and environment of encouragement, goal-setting and development while providing equitable opportunity and inclusion in a fun, authentic and distinct league.
THE GOALS
Fun, development, challenge, growth and the pathway to taking the appropriate next step to further the long-term enjoyment of the game for league-eligible Shamrocks players exclusively for our mite and squirt-aged players (ages 10 and under).
HISTORY
The concept of an in-house league featuring fun and friendly competition as a basis of development with the unique and vital Shamrocks tenants, was born with the club in 2001. The inaugural game was played between the Shamrocks “Green” vs. Shamrocks “White” at the “Amherst Pepsi Center” and as good fortune would have, it ended in a 3-3 draw, A league was officially born.
The following season the league grew to three teams and were renamed the Shamrocks Tsunami, Shamrocks Strike and Shamrocks Green Storm.
The club relationship with the Buffalo Zoo and our wonderful Buffalo Zoo Buffalo Shamrocks Garden was continuing to mature. With the assistance, inspiration and partnership with then Zoo President Donna Fernandes, soon the SHL teams would proudly represent the animals in the Zoo that our service project actually helps to supplement their diets and feed.
The “Original Four” teams: The River Otters, Gorillas, Golden Seals and Hyenas were in direct reflection of the stunning growth of the Shamrocks and enjoyed two distinct expansions. First the Polar Bears and Anacondas were added followed by the Anteaters and Rockin’ Rhinos.
MEET THE TEAMS
THE ORIGINAL FOUR
1ST EXPANSION 2007
2nd Expansion 2008
WHAT ARE WE PLAYING FOR?
Okay, now you know a little more about the SHL™ but what are we playing for?
F-U-N!
Well, FUN AND THE TOWNSEND CUP®, symbolic of excellence and Champions of the SHL.
And here is the inside scoop…
A decade ago, Stephen C. Townsend, Esq. discovered, hidden like a buried treasure in the basement of is North Buffalo Manse, a sterling silver trophy cup, the likes of which had never been seen before. Dating from 1903, Mr. Townsend, integral to the early success of the Buffalo Shamrocks Hockey Club due to his sacrifice and foundation building efforts, donated the gem to the club. The Townsend Cup, renamed in his honor, has been hoisted by League Champions ever since.
Your very own place in history, engraved FOREVER!
YOU WANT YOUR NAME ON THIS CUP, THIS LIVING ARCHIVE OF THE BEST WHO HAVE COME BEFORE YOU.
YOU WANT YOUR NAME ON THIS CUP, go out and make it happen.
WHAT ARE WE PLAYING FOR?
