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 youth hockey, ensuring each tournament is a memorable experience for all participants.
Our Rich History
Showdown Tournaments with a simple goal: to create a competitive and fun environment for youth hockey players and their families.
Tournaments have been a part of our family since 1972. It all began in Tonawanda, NY, where our first tournament happened. In 1982, the tournaments moved to Niagara Falls, NY, where the Shootout Classic and Winter Ice Experience are still held today. During the 1980s, we also hosted the Playboy Miller High Life adult tournament and the Top Gun Youth Tournament, establishing a strong foundation in the hockey community.
In 1990, my father, Gene Harrington, took his youth team to Nashville to share his love for country music. This experience was so impactful that in 1991, he hosted the first Country & Western Showdown. Over the years, this tournament has significantly influenced hockey in Nashville and many southern states. We are proud to be the original youth hockey tournament in Nashville, TN, and thrilled to celebrate its 34th year!
In August 1993, our family and the hockey community faced a great loss with the untimely death of my father. The outpouring of support from the hockey community was overwhelming. In September 1993, my brother, Whitney, and I stepped into the roles of tournament directors, dedicating every spare moment to organizing for the first tournament season without him. We devoted countless hours to these tournaments, driven by sheer emotion and love for our father.
In 2000, we hosted the first Crabtown Showdown Tournament in Annapolis, Maryland, and in 2010, the Capital Showdown in evolved.
In the early 2000s, we introduced the Showdown Skills Event to add a fun element to the tournament experience. It’s an on-ice skills event like no other!
Now, in 2024, we look back on all the years of youth hockey and tournaments our family has embarked on, filled with pride and gratitude, and welcome the next hockey tournament season.
Day-to-Day Operations
Running a successful tournament is no small feat. We start planning for the next season in March. While our focus emphasis changes by month, our dedication and timeliness remain constant. Brian and Whitney’s day-to-day operations involve meticulous planning and coordination. Here’s a glimpse into what our routine looks like:
- Event Planning and Content: Together, Brian & Whitney discuss the rink-approved dates for the next season. Whitney creates and schedules all of our posts for social media and emails, as well as updating our website.
- Team Screening and Placement: Ensuring competitive balance is crucial. Brian and Whitney spend countless hours screening teams and placing them in appropriate divisions. “It’s not an exact science, but we strive to create the best matchups possible,” explains Brian.
- Event Coordination: From securing ice time, creating the Tournament schedule, coordinating officials and tournament Staff schedule, to arranging the Showdown Skills Event, every detail is carefully managed. “We want our tournaments to be more than just games. The skills event adds an extra layer of excitement and fun,” says Whitney.
- Communication: Engaging with teams, coaches, and parents is a daily task. Brian and Whitney use social media, emails, and our website to keep everyone informed and excited about upcoming events.
- Logistics: Organizing awards, Tournament gifts, accommodations, and on-site logistics is a massive undertaking. “The stay-to-play hotel requirement helps us manage accommodations efficiently and ensures teams have a great place to stay,” notes Brian.
We go over every detail with a fine-tooth comb to ensure all hockey families are set for a great tournament experience.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any long-running business, Showdown Tournaments has faced its share of challenges. From unexpected weather disruptions to last-minute player injuries, Brian and Whitney have seen it all. We are happy to say these disruptions have been at a minimum.
“Flexibility is key. We’ve learned to adapt quickly and find solutions on the fly,” says Whitney. Despite these hurdles, the triumphs far outweigh the challenges. “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and hearing the positive feedback from families makes it all worth it,” adds Brian.
The Importance of Community and Family
Community and family are at the heart of Showdown Tournaments. Brian and Whitney are dedicated to fostering a friendly, supportive atmosphere where hockey players and their families can bond over their shared love of hockey.
“We’ve built lasting relationships with many of the families attending our tournaments. It’s like a big, extended family reunion every year,” says Whitney. This sense of community is reflected in the testimonials and feedback they receive, which they proudly share on their website and social media.
Looking Ahead
As they look to the future, Brian and Whitney are excited about continuing to innovate and improve their tournaments. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our participants. Whether it’s introducing new events or finding ways to streamline operations, we’re committed to making each tournament better than the last,” says Whitney.
They also plan to expand their reach, attracting more teams from different regions. “We want to share the Showdown experience with as many young hockey players as possible. It’s about growing the love for hockey and creating unforgettable memories,” adds Brian.
Final Thoughts
Brian and Whitney’s dedication and passion for youth hockey have made Showdown Tournaments a beloved institution in the hockey community. Their hands-on approach, commitment to excellence, and focus on family and fun ensure that each tournament is a standout event.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built and grateful for the support of our participants over the years. Here’s to many more years of great hockey and lasting memories. We look forward to seeing you, at the rink.
Yours in Hockey, Brian & Whitney
We hope you have an awesome hockey season! We know this deep dive into Showdown Tournaments will help you know more about us and how we host youth hockey tournaments!
Want more tips on having a great youth hockey experience, follow us on Social Media. We share what our tournament attendees have to say and our tournament experiences and tips daily. With over 30 years of experience organizing youth hockey tournaments, we are a wealth of information in youth hockey and the go-to for a great tournament experience. We look forward to having your team participate in a Showdown Tournament!