Western New York's newest professional sports team, the Buffalo Flash will be the official Grand Marshals & Starters for this season's running of the Sahlen's 6 Hours at the Glen.  2009 marks the inaugural season for the Flash.  The Professional Women's Soccer Team is a part of United Soccer Leagues W-League, within the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.  Their 14 game season includes eight home games at Orchard Park High School.

The Buffalo Flash actually has a game on Friday night, June 5^th, home against arch rival Rochester Ravens FC.  After getting a good nights rest, the players will travel down from Buffalo to Watkins Glen for the Sahlen's 6 Hours on Saturday.

Beyond waving the Green Flag for the start of the Sahlen's 6 Hours, The Flash players will be involved in several activities during the weekend.   The players will be attending the Saturday Meeting for ROLEX DP and GT Drivers.  During the race, they will be strolling around the track signing autographs for the soccer fanatics at the track. Then at the end of the race, the young women will be assisting in handing out the trophy's to the race winners.  Plus, the players will be in attendance to help judge the Saturday evening Sahlen Hot Dog Eating Contest as well as attending the evening's concert.

"Everyone at Sahlen's is honored to have the Buffalo Flash team as our Official Starter for the Sahlen's 6 Hours.  Beyond Hot Dogs, the Sahlen family has two passions, Racing and Soccer.  So it's really great to be able to tie those two passions into one weekend.  This should be a great weekend for the Flash players to be able to meet the western New York sports enthusiasts in a brand new environment.  We are working to integrate the Flash into the whole weekend's activities.  Even our Team Sahlen Corvettes and Mazdas will be proudly carrying the Buffalo Flash logo on their roofs," states Joe Sahlen.

Head Coach for the Flash is Aaran Lines.  Aaran is an experienced international player with 41 appearances for his New Zealand Full National squad, 9 with the U-23 squad, 8 with the U-20 and 10 with the U-17 squad.  Lines participated in the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup with the New Zealand National Team.  Coach Lines' currently earned a UEFA B Coaching License from his past coaching endeavors in America and abroad in Germany & Australia .

"I am very excited about the opportunity be a part of the Buffalo Flash from the ground up.  The Buffalo area has a very rich soccer heritage.  This is especially true of the youth and women's programs within the community.  As we work to further refine our roster, the goal is to be able to capitalize upon the strong pool of Western New York talent to form an explosive, exciting team for the Buffalo fans to come out and cheer on." - states Coach Aaron Lines.

In total, the United Soccer League's W-League consists of 37 teams playing in five divisions that comprise the three conferences: Eastern, Central, and Western.  At the conclusion of the season, 11 W-League teams will qualify for the post season tournament.  The W-League Championship Game on August 8^th will air on FOX Soccer Channel.

"We are excited and honored to that the Buffalo Flash have been chosen as the official Grand Marshals for the Sahlen's 6 Hours.  I have attended the event several times, and it is always an exciting time." - states Team President Alex Sahlen.

Fans can keep up with all the latest Buffalo Flash at their web site www.buffaloflashsoccer.com . The web site includes several interactive sections, including ticket ordering.  All ticket sales will be through the web site, with no at event sales occurring.

2009 Buffalo Flash Schedule

DAY           DATE         OPPONENT                                     TIME

Sunday      May 24      Quebec City Amiral                         3:00 pm

Friday        May 29      @ Rochester Ravens FC                7:00 pm

Friday        June 5       Rochester Ravens FC                     7:00 pm

Friday        June 12     Ottawa Fury                                     7:00 pm

Sunday      June 14     Toronto Lady Lynx                          3:00 pm

Saturday    June 20     Laval Comets                                  6:00 pm

Sunday      June 21     @ Toronto Lady Lynx                      4:00 pm

Friday        June 26     @ London Gryphons                       7:30 pm