Twas the night before the Showdown, in Nashville’s embrace, Where country and hockey, find their place. Seventy teams, with youthful delight, From sixteen states, gathered under the night.   In Smashville they gather, where guitars heartily strum, In anticipation of the 33rd Country & Western Tournament to come. With skates on their feet and dreams in their eyes, They prepare for the games ‘neath southern skies.   In the midst of it all, where excitement brews, Hockey’s Showdown Skills Event, where talents infuse, On ice they showcase, their finesse and might, In Ford’s Ice Cent ..read more

  In the quiet of night, before the puck takes flight, In the realm of dreams, where hopes ignite, The 15th Capital Showdown waits in sight, With fervor, passion, and boundless might.   84 teams, young players in their stride, Through the houses and hotels, whispers roam, Across the frozen rinks, where dreams find a home, From 32 clubs, weaving tales so wide.   In the Gardens Ice House, the spirits stir, Bowie Ice Arena, where legends confer, Piney Orchard Ice Arena, famed stories told, Eac echoes skates cutting, a symphony to behold.   Ages 6 to 16, their hearts beat stro ..read more

In the heart of every hockey community lives a vibrant spirit of camaraderie and giving back. We’re talking beyond the parent volunteers at the kids games. If you haven’t found the hockey giving back opportunities, we share a bunch of ways giving back to youth hockey that you may introduce volunteering to your youth hockey players. Hockey is a sport transcending the boundaries of age, background, and ability, uniting players and fans alike in the pursuit of teamwork, skill, passion, and fun. Deeply immersed in the world of youth hockey, our family has experienced firsthand the transformative p ..read more

What does it mean to be a good hockey parent… Youth hockey is a thrilling sport requiring dedication and hard work to excel for your youth hockey players and you as the hockey parent. The time commitment with travel, practices, and games is a lot for your player and for you as the parent. Whether your child is a star on the team or developing as a novice player, we have some helpful tips to guide you in being a “Good Hockey Parent.” As a hockey parent, you play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging your child’s love for the game. Being a hockey parent is more than just attending games a ..read more

Youth hockey tournaments bring together hockey players and their families for an exhilarating experience both on and off the ice. Securing the hotel accommodations is a big deal in the tournament journey, and while your hockey team may have decided to travel a long distance or just an hour, the tournament host hotels are in your future.  We are hockey parents who have traveled the road you seek of tournament hotel accommodations and how to make it the best experience for your family and your team. We explore the dos and don’ts for youth hockey families when it comes to tournament hotels a ..read more

Youth hockey referees are an integral part of the game, ensuring that players abide by the rules and regulations while ensuring that the game is played safely. However, being a youth hockey referee is not an easy job. They face a lot of challenges, and it’s important that we understand and empathize with them. Below, we unpack some of the perspectives of players, parents, coaches, and referees on referring in youth hockey.  From the perspective of the players, it can be frustrating when a call doesn’t go your way. Emotions can run high, and players can become angry or upset with the refer ..read more

  On this day of gratitude, our hockey family comes together to express our deepest thanks to the heart and soul of youth hockey, our hockey community. Today, we give thanks to the incredible individuals who make our hockey journey an unforgettable and exciting experience. To our dedicated coaches, who pour their passion and knowledge into shaping our players both on and off the ice, thank you for being the guiding lights of our hockey family. Your commitment to developing not just hockey players but well-rounded people is truly appreciated. A heartfelt shout-out to our team managers, th ..read more

Capturing Unforgettable Moments As proud hockey parents, you know that the rink is where unforgettable memories are made. Those thrilling moments when your hockey player takes to the ice, gives it their all, celebrates the highs, and battles through the lows. These make youth hockey truly special. And what better way to preserve these cherished moments than through the lens of your camera? In this guide, we’re excited to share some expert tips that will help you become the unofficial photographer for your hockey star’s games. Whether you’re wielding a smartphone or a DSLR, these insights will ..read more

Introducing Our Guest Blogger: Stefanie Rock – Fueling Youth Hockey Excellence! Meet Stefanie Rock, a certified sports nutritionist with a keen focus on the distinct nutritional requirements of youth and teen athletes. With over a decade of experience supporting her own kids through the world of travel baseball and hockey, including junior hockey, Stefanie is no stranger to the fast-paced, demanding world of youth sports.  Youth hockey demands more than just skill; it requires the right nutrition to perform at the highest level. Stefanie Rock is here to share her expertise and practical ..read more

Youth hockey tournaments are an exciting and essential part of a young hockey player’s development. They provide invaluable opportunities for growth, competition, camaraderie, and fun. As a team manager, one of your crucial responsibilities is choosing the right tournaments for your youth hockey team. This decision involves various factors that can significantly impact your players’ experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore the key considerations you should keep in mind when selecting tournaments and offer some valuable tips to make the process easier so your team families and you have a great ..read more