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HOME ICE: Buffalo Civic Center DISTRICT: PRESIDENT: Lena Gawtry 5 Bison NICKNAME: 466 2018-19 REGISTRATION NUMBERS: M H J O N L I N E . C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 12 of STATE HOCKEY Buffalo State of Hockey Spotlight WHY THEY'RE AWESOME Every month, the Buffalo Youth Hockey Association shuts off the lights and turns on the disco ball and lasers. Music blasts through the Buffalo Civic Center while kids of all ages enjoy an enjoyable day of open skating filled with games and prizes. "We call it 'Rock on Ice'," said Lena Gawtry, president of the Buffalo Youth Hockey Association. "The event is open to the public to get more people on the ice and having fun. It's also a great way for our kids to have fun on the ice with their non-hockey playing friends. …They spend so much time at the rink normally with practices and games. This just gives them a way to do something they love and still go out there and have a good time." While the Buffalo Youth Hockey Association is setting record registration numbers and growing its girls hockey program to new heights, it also places a strong emphasis on gathering the community and promoting a lively culture. SMALL-TOWN ATMOSPHERE The Buffalo Youth Hockey Association is less than an hour from the Twin Cities, but prides itself on its small-town atmosphere. "We're really a small town but we're close to the Twin Cities, so that defi- nitely sets us apart—the fact that we are pulling kids from other local areas," Gawtry said. Photos / Buffalo Youth Hockey Association Buffalo hockey has grown every year since 2013. by Elizabeth Boger P R E S E N T E D B Y