About the NHLKIDS INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

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The NHLKIDS (New Hockey League for Kids) International Hockey Tournament is a unique event that gathers skilled hockey players from across the globe to compete. This tournament accepts individual registrations and operates by selecting players through a draft system. Participants come from various parts of the world to compete against each other in this exceptional competition.

We host two tournaments annually: a 14U edition in July and an 18U edition in December. 

• A total of 10-12 teams participate, inspired by the 1967-68 NHL season with 6 original teams in the east and 6 expansion teams in the west, ensuring 14 guaranteed games.
• The team selection process involves the general managers chosen by the commissioner, with their names entered into a lottery for the first pick. Teams are then formed through a virtual draft conducted via Zoom, streamed live on our website. Players can follow the draft, witness trades, and view final rosters. Each general manager has a set anniversary cap, ensuring team balance with a specific number of players in each class.

Exploring Team Formation...

• Each team must have a set number of players from each age group.
• Teams are balanced using the anniversary cap instead of a salary cap.
• General managers select players while adhering to the anniversary cap restrictions.
• This tournament is open to a mix of ages, encompassing both AA and AAA levels.
• The tournament structure is akin to a college system, with players divided into the following categories:
  • Freshmen 
  • Sophomore 
  • Junior 
  • Senior 
• Players born after September 15 are automatically grouped in the younger categories, allowing late born players to participate as seniors.

Included in the registration fee:

• 14 guaranteed games
• On-ice practices
• All-star game
• Skills competition
• Practice jersey and socks
• Training set (shorts & shirt)
• Rental of game jerseys for home and away games
• Equipment rental (helmet, gloves, shell)
• Goalies will receive private goalie clinics and can choose between a mask wrap or custom team pad skinz provided by our sponsor PadSkinz.
• Statistics and standings for players and goalies.
  Please note that we are not authorized to sell game jerseys.

Our media team is truly exceptional!

Attendees can look forward to a captivating week-long journey, stepping into the shoes of professional players and living the dreams of their favorite pros. Watch them compete on our live stream alongside game commentators. Our media crew records player interviews, game highlights, and thrilling moments. Several of our media staff have advanced to collaborate with TSN and RDS, and we are exceptionally proud of their accomplishments, appreciative to have them as part of our team to provide the young participants with an authentic professional experience!

The ultimate prize awaits...

• Winners and finalists of the playoffs will receive personalized mini Jr. Stanley Cups, team championship rings, and championship hats.
• Conference finalists will also be recognized with prestigious awards.
• Players will be presented with individual accolades, player of the game medals, and the prestigious Jr. Conn Smythe trophy for the tournament MVP.
• All games will be live-streamed online, and a professional photographer will capture action shots for the webpage's photo gallery.

Award Show & Gala

Fresh Ice Hockey is proud to introduce the inaugural award show for participants of the NHLKIDS 13U International Tournament, honoring their dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship. Each player will be presented with a bespoke certificate of participation, along with prestigious awards acknowledging outstanding performances. The event is designed to unite everyone, fostering lasting memories and honoring the young athletes. The week-long event will culminate in a memorable expression of gratitude towards the dedicated families and hardworking players.