Buffalo State's men's hockey team donated its time this past Saturday to assist in a local relief effort for the victim's of Hurricane Katrina.

After a morning practice, the Bengals traveled to Uncle Bob's Self Storage in Williamsville and volunteered to help "WNY Katrina Housing" prepare to welcome victims from the Gulf-area who will be relocating to Western New York.

Mark and Mary Heick, executive directors of the WNY Katrina Housing Program, have been collecting clothing and furniture donations for the past month. The Bengals helped sift through the thousands of articles of clothing and pieces of furniture and sort and store the items. Families relocating to the area will be able to go in and select the items they need.

"It was a great opportunity for our student-athletes to get involved in the community and play a small role in helping some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina as they relocate to the Buffalo-area," said first-year Head Coach Nick Carriere.

For more information on WNY Katrina Housing, call 873-1004, or email helpinghands@wnykatrinahousing.org.

Buffalo State will open its season this Friday against Brockport at 2 p.m. as part of the SUNYAC Challenge in Fredonia.