Battle Of The Windy City Hockey Tournament
Introduction
The Battle Of The Windy City is an annual ice hockey tournament that takes place in Chicago, Illinois. The tournament attracts teams from all over the United States and Canada, and has become one of the most prestigious amateur hockey tournaments in North America. The tournament is hosted by the Chicago Mission Hockey Club, one of the premier youth hockey clubs in the United States.
The History Of The Tournament
The Battle Of The Windy City Hockey Tournament was first held in 2003, and since then it has become one of the most anticipated events in the amateur hockey calendar. The tournament was created to provide young hockey players with an opportunity to compete against some of the best amateur teams in North America, and to showcase their skills to scouts from junior and college teams.
The tournament has grown in popularity over the years, and now attracts teams from as far away as British Columbia, Quebec, and Massachusetts. Over 75 teams participate in the tournament each year, making it one of the largest amateur hockey tournaments in North America.
The Teams
The Battle Of The Windy City Hockey Tournament features teams from a variety of age groups, from mites (ages 8 and under) to midgets (ages 15-18). The tournament also features girls' teams, as well as high school and junior teams.
Teams are invited to participate in the tournament based on their performance during the regular season and other tournaments. The tournament organizers strive to create a competitive and fair tournament by grouping teams with similar skill levels together.
The Games
The Battle Of The Windy City Hockey Tournament is a three-day event, with games starting on Friday and ending on Sunday. The tournament uses a round-robin format, with each team playing three or four games in the preliminary round.
After the preliminary round, the top teams in each division advance to the playoffs. The playoffs are single elimination, with the winners advancing to the championship games on Sunday afternoon.
The Venue
The Battle Of The Windy City Hockey Tournament is held at the MB Ice Arena, which is located in the heart of Chicago. The arena is the practice facility for the Chicago Blackhawks, and has two NHL-sized ice rinks.
The MB Ice Arena is a state-of-the-art facility, with locker rooms, a pro shop, and a restaurant on site. The arena also has ample parking, and is easily accessible by public transit.
The Impact Of The Tournament
The Battle Of The Windy City Hockey Tournament has had a significant impact on youth hockey in the United States. The tournament has provided young players with an opportunity to showcase their skills to scouts from junior and college teams, and has helped to raise the profile of amateur hockey in North America.
The tournament has also helped to promote the city of Chicago as a premier destination for hockey tournaments and other sporting events. The tournament has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the city, and has helped to support local businesses and hotels.
Conclusion
The Battle Of The Windy City Hockey Tournament is one of the premier amateur hockey tournaments in North America, and is a must-see event for hockey fans of all ages. The tournament provides young players with an opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in North America, and to showcase their skills to scouts from junior and college teams.
The tournament also helps to promote the city of Chicago as a premier destination for hockey tournaments and other sporting events, and has had a significant impact on youth hockey in the United States.