News Update: Ed Weisbeck honored.

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ELMA , NY

Hockey league founder honored by tri-towns
By Nancy Gish SOUTHTOWNS CORRESPONDENT
Updated: 02/14/08 6:48 AM


Ed Weisbeck, the founder of Latimer Hockey League, received thanks in triplicate Wednesday night.

During a meeting of the Elma Town Board, officials of the towns of Elma, Marilla and Wales presented proclamations thanking him for his years of giving the youth of the tri-towns a wonderful foundation in hockey.

Officially, Feb. 23 is Ed Weisbeck Day throughout the three towns. Weisbeck retired in 2000 from coaching and administrating the league, which served many boys and girls ages 5 to 14 on Saturday mornings since 1968.

“You didn’t have to know how to skate — we trained you. It only took a few weeks,” said current coach Tom Thomas.

Many of the kids come from outside the tritowns, from Orchard Park, Cheektowaga, Hamburg and East Aurora. No one is turned away.

During a Buffalo Sabres game on Feb. 23, Weisbeck will be honored for his dedication to youth hockey with the Duffett Award.

On Wednesday, Weisbeck was helped to the podium and accepted a “congratulations” sign signed by members of all the youth teams. “For decades of time given to these kids, we cannot thank you enough, Mr. Weisbeck,” said Supervisor Michael Nolan, who has two children playing in the league.