Buffalo Blizzards Pickleball Team Launch: Buffalo is getting its own professional pickleball team this fall. The Buffalo Blizzards will compete in the first season of the U.S. Legends League, which begins with a tournament in Indianapolis from September 19 to 21.
A New Team for Buffalo
The Buffalo Blizzards are owned by East Amherst native Cristen “Cris” Kessler. Kessler is a senior professional pickleball player who has won seven senior pro medals and reached a career-high ranking of No. 14 on the Association of Pickleball Players Tour.
“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and Buffalo deserves to be part of the excitement. Our goal is to grow the sport locally, build community, and show that Buffalo can compete nationally.”(Cristen “Cris” Kessler)
Clinics and Community Events
Fans will have the chance to meet the team on September 28 at Pickleball Island in Grand Island. The event will include clinics for all ages, taught by professional players, and a meet-and-greet with the roster.
Team Roster
The Buffalo Blizzards will feature 14 players — seven women and seven men. Three of them are from Western New York: Cristen Kessler from East Amherst, Cheryl O’Connell from Amherst, and Amy Porter from Eden.
The full roster includes:
Electra Ariail – Greenville, South Carolina
Kevin Casey – Merritt, North Carolina
Tony Cohen – Carlsbad, California
Kristin Hickman – Columbia, South Carolina
Heather Jaeger – Atlanta, Georgia
Joek Kabacinski – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Cristen Kessler – East Amherst, New York
Matthew Meyer – South Abington Township, Pennsylvania
Kristen Nagrani – Daytona Beach, Florida
Cheryl O’Connell – Amherst, New York
Amy Porter – Eden, New York
Thomas Reilly – Rockford, Michigan
Daniel Richards – Shakopee, Minnesota
Brian Strehle – Quakertown, Pennsylvania
Why It Matters
The U.S. Legends League will hold four tournaments, called “showdowns,” from September through January. With Buffalo joining, local fans now have a chance to cheer for their own team while also taking part in events that grow the sport in the region.
News in Brief: Buffalo Blizzards Pickleball Team Launch
The Buffalo Blizzards, a new pro pickleball team, will debut this fall in the U.S. Legends League. Owned by senior pro player Cristen Kessler, the team will compete in the league’s first event September 19–21 in Indianapolis. Fans can meet the team September 28 at Pickleball Island in Grand Island.