A youth hockey tournament held in the Berkshires has become more than a competition; it turned into a community fundraiser that exceeded expectations.
The Berkshire Bear League Hockey league organized the Summer Bash, bringing together teams from across the region, among them the Northern Berkshire Youth Hockey League’s Black Bears, to compete in a four‑team round robin that featured three games per side.
Thrilling Finals
In the A Division final, the Shamrocks surged to a 3‑1 lead in the opening period before the Ducks narrowed the gap, ultimately securing a 5‑3 victory.
The B Division final saw the Rensselaer Rejects hold a 3‑2 advantage after two periods, then pull away in the third to win 5‑2 over the F‑Bombs, clinching the title with a late surge.
Aaron Girgenti, president of the Northern Berkshire Youth Hockey League, reported that the tournament generated more than $20,000 for 9‑year‑old Liam Lescarbeau, with the total coming from team entry fees, concession sales and a raffle.
Beyond the scores, the event underscored the power of local sports to bring people together, with families, volunteers and sponsors all playing a part in a weekend that celebrated both competition and charity.