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eams from all over the Unites States converged on Voorhees, N.J. on the weekend of February 5-7, 2010 as the Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone played host to an event-filled weekend of Western Sledge Hockey League action. Despite the effects of a large Nor'easter dumping over two feet of snow into the region, the weekend's festivities carried on as the United States National Junior Sledge Hockey team competed against their rivals from Utah, Colorado and Arizona. The three-day event was a memorable one for many reasons. While most of the area was shut down due to the weather, and local residents were either snowed inside or shoveling driveways outside, all four teams, their fans and the rink went about their busi- ness as usual. Although the storm did pack a powerful punch, it was not nearly enough to disrupt these hockey enthusi- asts from competing in a tournament they had been looking forward to for months. It took a collective effort by all of those involved to make the weekend a success. Families traveled from many miles away, players came to play and the rink was committed to making that happen. As U.S. Junior National Team Assistant Coach Tom Brake, from nearby Blackwood stated, "This was one of the worst bliz- zards to ever hit our area. The Flyers Skate Zone went above and beyond to keep the place open, and allowed us to proceed with this much-anticipated tournament." Once everyone braved the uncomfort- able elements outside and made it into the facility, they were treated to some entertaining hockey. The weekend saw the United States Junior Sledge Hockey Team experience great success, compiling a record of 4-0 and carrying the play throughout the tournament. A balanced attack was led by standouts Kevin McKee (Eldridge, Iowa), Raymond N.J.) and Danny McDevitt (Abington, Penn.) as the United States squad won by scores of 6-0, 8-0, 8-1 and 5-0. Equally as impressive was the play of goaltending duo Chuck Dury and Danny Hefley. Dury (Raymond, Ohio) turned aside all but one shot in his two starts, while Hefley (Wexford, Pennsylvania) collected two shutouts in two games. Overall it was an extraordinary weekend for head coach Bob O'Connor's team, going undefeated and outscoring their opponents by a margin of 27-1. The weekend was a prelude of more things to come, as Coach O'Connor's squad went on to cruise through the remainder of the 2009-2010 Western Sledge Hockey League season, finishing with an overall record of 12-0-0-1 and ultimately beating Utah in the championship game on Feb. 27, by a score of 7-0. The win earned them the WSHL championship in only their second season of league play, a truly phenomenal accomplishment. The weekend's tournament in Voorhees was a continuation of the Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone's involvement with and dedication to the wonderful sport of sledge hockey. Throughout its 10-year existence, the facility has hosted numerous national and international sledge hockey tournaments. Additionally, it takes pride in being the home rink for U.S. Junior National Sledge Hockey team 'storms' through the Northeast Sledge Success T photos & text by CLAUDIO OLIVEIRA 42 R INK MAGAZ INE may/june 2010 STARrinks.com The Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone played host to plenty of great action in the Western Sledge Hockey League.