Choosing the best hockey tournament for your team can be a daunting task, considering the multitude of options available. However, with careful consideration of certain factors, you can ensure that your team has a memorable and successful tournament season. Whether you’re a coach, team manager, parent, or player, your input is crucial in making the right decision. Let’s break down the selection criteria to help you make an informed choice.

Travel vs. Local

  • How many tournaments your team will participate in this season, the cost and miles all come into play when scheduling your tournament season. So, the first step is deciding with the team to travel or stay local.
  • The first step in selecting a tournament is deciding whether your team should travel or stay local. This decision depends on several factors, including budget, logistics, and team preferences. Here are a few points to consider for each option:

Travel

  • Explore the destination: Research the location to find out what there is to do in town. Look for places to eat, visit, or explore during your downtime between games. Consider making it a mini-vacation for the team to enhance the overall experience. We call this a Tournacation = Tournament, plus Vacation.
  • Check previous years’ team attendance: Look into where other teams have attended in previous years. This information can give you an idea of the tournament’s quality and popularity.
  • Talk with teams in your club to find out where they have traveled and get their feedback on that tournament experience.

Local

  • Cost and convenience: Participating in local tournaments can be more cost-effective and convenient for both the team and their families. It reduces travel expenses and allows for easier scheduling of games.

Placement

To ensure a competitive and fair experience, it’s essential to screen your team for the appropriate division placement. Different areas have varying systems for classifying levels of play. Before committing to a tournament, make sure you understand the tournament’s process for team placement. This helps ensure that your team will face opponents of similar skill levels, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.

Fun

While competition is a significant aspect of hockey tournaments, it’s crucial to prioritize fun and enjoyment. Look for tournaments that offer additional activities beyond the games themselves. These could include pin exchanges, skills events, or opportunities to explore local attractions. A well-rounded tournament experience that combines competitive play with fun activities will create lasting memories for your team.

Do Your Homework

Before finalizing your tournament selections, be sure to do your homework. Gather as much information as possible about each tournament under consideration. Look for online reviews, speak with other teams or coaches who have participated in the tournament before, and reach out to tournament organizers with any specific questions you may have. This research will help you make an informed decision and choose tournaments that align with your team’s goals and preferences.

We hope these tips help with selecting the best hockey tournament for your team. By deciding between travel and local tournaments, screening for appropriate division placement, prioritizing fun, and conducting thorough research, you can ensure a rewarding and enjoyable tournament season. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have fun while competing and creating lasting memories with your team.

If you have any questions about choosing your tournaments we are here for you and happy to answer any questions. With 30 years of organizing youth hockey tournaments, we take the entire process very seriously and strive for competitive divisions and a good time for all attendees and their families. Have a great hockey season!