Erie will welcome a full slate of events this weekend, including the Lake Effect Elite Hockey Camp, PA BASS Nation Tournaments and the Bay Frog Open.
Lake Effect Hockey will host its fifth annual Lake Effect Elite Camp and round-robin tournament Thursday through Sunday at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. More than 60 athletes, aged nine to 14, will attend, traveling from Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland and Cincinnati. Camp sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Tournament games will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
“Hockey camps are essential for young athletes to grow in the sport. They offer the focused skill development, structure, and confidence players need to elevate their game and prepare for the competitive season ahead,” said Jason Fowler, owner of Lake Effect Hockey. “Camps like this give young athletes the chance to train with purpose and come into tournaments ready to perform at their best.”
The camp focuses on checking and body contact, power skating, shooting, skill development and goalie training. Notable instructors include Stanley Cup Champion Tyler Kennedy and 2018 Team USA Olympian Ryan Zapolski.
In addition, PA BASS Nation returns to Erie for its third of four state tournaments this season, taking place this Saturday at Marina Bay. Anglers will compete for a spot in the 2025 B.A.S.S. National Tournament. On Sunday, Marina Bay will host the second PA BASS Nation Team Trial Tournament and College Qualifier.
The Bay Frog Open returns this Sunday to the Kahkwa Club and continues through Monday. The event begins with a dinner and auction at 6 p.m. Sunday, benefiting the Uncommon Grit Foundation, which supports veterans and first responders. On Monday, the Bay Frog Warrior Scramble tees off at 10:30 a.m., featuring former Navy SEALs, special operations veterans, and NHL alumni.
