Youth Hockey Referees are Essential to the Game of Hockey

Youth hockey referees are such an important 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 we must understand and empathize with them. Below, we [...]

Top 10 Tips for First-Time Youth Hockey Team Managers

Congratulations on becoming a first-year hockey team manager! Managing a hockey team can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don't have a plan in place. Here are some tips to help you survive your first year as a hockey team manager: 1. Establish communication channels: It's important to [...]

What Competition Means in Youth Hockey Tournaments

Hey, youth hockey players! Have you ever wondered what competition is all about when you’re playing in a tournament? It’s not just about winning or losing. There's so much more to your tournament experience! Let’s take a closer look at what competition really means and how it can help you become a better player and [...]

Exploring Washington DC: A Guide for Hockey Families

Planning to attend one of our exciting Showdown Tournaments in the Washington DC area? We know that there’s more to your trip than just the games! The nation’s capital is filled with family-friendly activities and sights that make for an unforgettable experience. Here’s our guide to some of the best things to do with your [...]

Benefits of Half-Ice Youth Hockey for 8U Players

The format of half-ice tournament games and small-area ice experiences offers many benefits that contribute to the developmen and enjoyment of youth hockey players and growth of the sport. At Showdown Tournaments, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting over eighty 8U hockey teams during the 2023-24 youth hockey tournament season. For years, we have proudly [...]

Behind the Scenes: Meet the Team Behind Showdown Hockey Tournaments

Ever wondered what goes into organizing one of the top youth hockey tournaments in the country? Join us as we go behind the scenes with Brian and Whitney, the dynamic duo who make it all happen. With 34 years of experience under their belts, Brian and Whitney have created a legacy in the world of [...]

Twas the Night Before the Country & Western Showdown Tournament

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 [...]

Hockey Poem: Eve of the 15th Capital Showdown Tournament

  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 [...]

Youth Hockey Tournament Hotels Stay-to-Play: Guide for Hockey Families

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 [...]

Happy Thanksgiving from Our Hockey Family to Yours

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 [...]

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