2008 TOURNAMENT FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions


The call volume into our office from parents, managers, coaches, and scouts, isThe call volume into our office from parents, managers, coaches, and scouts, is overwhelming over the course of a hockey season. Thus, in order to better help you, here are some FAQ and the answers to them: We will do our best to list on a regular basis questions that are asked of us that can easily be answered here. If your question is not listed below, do not hesitate to email us.  

Is there any benefit to sending in my 2008 application and deposit early?
The 2007 Nike Bauer International AAA Invite was completely full by April 1st last year.  To be considered for an entry spot both the application and deposit fee must be submitted.  There were 105 teams on a waiting list last year. Any team wishing to apply for entry into the Nike Bauer International AAA Invite must complete an Application Form (available on-line), provide a resume of the past seasons accomplishments along with the deposit fee of $330 (US). 

How do I know if you received my application and deposit?
Once the application is received, it is input into our database. An email is then sent out automatically to the email address indicated on the application (please print your email address clearly to ensure that the return email is sent to the correct address). This email acknowledges receipt of your application as well as provides you with further information.  This email is not a final offer of acceptance into the tournament.

Do I have to submit my team's game results from 2007-08?
Yes. The Nike Bauer International AAA Invite organizing committee requests that each team send in game results from last season, including all exhibition games, tournament games and league games. This information is used when determining the appropriate division (NIKE or BAUER) for each team as well as in the seeding process.

How are the divisions separated?
The 1998 age level will not be separated.  The 97, 96, 95,94 and U16 age levels will be separated into the “NIKE” and “BAUER” Divisions.  The Nike Bauer International AAA Invite only wants the very best 40-80 AAA teams at every age level.  Your submission of the application and past season’s results will be evaluated. If the team is not to the standard of the “NIKE” division it will be considered for the “BAUER” division. If the team is not to the standard of the “BAUER” division, it will not be allowed into the tournament. The Tournament Team Selection Committee reserves the right to select from the list of applications and make appropriate placements. Once approved for either division, the completion of the registration procedure (payment, hotel forms and roster) must be completed.

When will we know if we have been accepted?
All competitive “NIKE DIVISION” teams that apply early will be guaranteed acceptance immediately.  All other teams will be notified no later than Monday, June 2nd, 2008.  * If total applications once again exceed the number of teams the tournament can accept ~ earlier notification will be given. Please note that all offers of acceptances are tentative until your application and deposit are received.

What is the Refund Policy?
Any team accepted to either the “NIKE” or “BAUER” Division has a non-refundable deposit.  If we have a team on the waiting list who can replace your team then a refund will be issued.  No refunds will be issued at either AAA divisions after August 1st, 2008.

When does my team have to be ready to play and when can we depart?
All teams must be ready to play their first game on Friday, October 31st, 2008 at 7:00 a.m.  All championship games conclude by 4:30pm on Sunday, November 2nd.  Every team should arrange to be in on Thursday night October 30th, 2008. There is a mandatory coach/manager check-in and reception between 6-10pm on Thursday, October 30th.   United Airlines is our official Airline for the Nike Bauer International AAA Invite. Call the Special Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 577WZ to receive a tournament discount.  The tournament website also has information for BUDGET car and bus rentals under TRANSPORTATION.

What is the 2008 Tournament Format?
1998’s:
 48 Total Teams.   One Division of 48 teams will comprise 8 brackets of 6 teams each. Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top two in each bracket (16 teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1997’s:  48 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  24 teams in the “Bauer” AAA Division and 24 teams in the “Nike” AAA Division.  Both the BAUER (24 teams)  & NIKE DIVISION (24 teams) will comprise of 4 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top four (4) in each bracket (16 teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 5th or 6th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1996’s and 1994’s:  56 Total Teams for each age division.  One Division of 24 teams in the “Bauer” AAA Division and 32 teams in the “Nike” AAA Division.  The BAUER DIVISION (24 teams) will comprise of 4 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top four (4) in each bracket (16 teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 5th or 6th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket. The NIKE DIVISION (32 teams) will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1995’s:  64 Total Teams. Two Divisions of 32 teams in the “Bauer” AAA Division and 32 teams in the “Nike” AAA Division.  Both the BAUER & NIKE DIVISIONS will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their grouping once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

U16’s:  80 Total Teams. Two Divisions of 40 teams in the “Bauer” AAA Division and 40 teams in the “Nike” AAA Division will comprise 8 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top teams in each bracket (8 teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2nd, 3rd or 4th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.
All games will be run under Stop Time. Game length will be as follows:

v      Round Robin Games & Sweet Sixteen Games - 15-15-15 minute periods

v      Quarter, and Semi-Finals - 11-11-11 minute periods

v      Championship Games - 15-15-15 minute periods

Almost every team will play 2 games on Friday, and 2 games on Saturday. The sweet sixteen for the 98’s, 97’s, 96’s, 95’s, and 94’s will begin Saturday afternoon and evening.  All quarter, semi and championship   games are on Sunday, and are always over at the latest 4:30pm. You will play games on Sunday, if you qualify for the playoffs, starting at 7:00am.

What hotel should we book at?
All accepted teams must stay in authorized tournament hotels and submit all pre-registration forms. All hotels are in close proximity to arenas, restaurants, shopping malls and other attractions.  A hotel tournament packet will be emailed out to all team contacts by June 4th, 2008 and also posted on the web site.  Tournament Hotel Contact: Email
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How do I know you have received all my information?
The website is updated every few days to keep track of what the Nike Bauer AAA International has received and what is still missing from each team.  This online document details various information that needs to be completed including application, deposits, balance, hotel forms, team roster etc.  Please note that final team balances are due by September 12th, 2008.  Any team not in paid in full by this date will lose their spot.

If the Head Coach has more than one team to oversee can scheduling arrangements be made?
We understand there can be personal conflicts that may hinder some coaches with multiple teams.  Although we can not promise that we can accommodate everyone's request. If a request is put in prior to August 1st we will make every attempt possible to help coordinate your games.

When is the schedule released?
The schedule for the 2008 Nike Bauer International AAA Invite will be released on September 30th, 2008.  Any requests prior to August 1st,2008 will be taken into consideration.  Once the main schedule is released this will be FINAL.

Will the schedule change?
We make every attempt not to make changes to the schedule after September 30th, however sometimes things happen that are out of our control and changes are made. It is important to monitor the website at www.nikebauerinvite.com  for updates. We will send emails as well. Please be sure your email address is legible in order to receive these important updates.

When is the last day to submit my team roster for the tournament program?
The last day to submit your team roster and any changes is October 1st,2008.

What if there is an error in the on-line Pointstreak roster and/or the number on the jersey?
When you register your roster on-line this information is used for Pointstreak statistics and the tournament program.  Once Pointstreak has the team rosters up on line and you see any discrepancies, please email our office immediately.

What do I do when I get to the Nike Bauer International AAA Invite?
Your team managers/coaches will handle all check in procedure at the Thursday night reception. Specific information will be given to all team personnel at this mandatory meeting.

Does the team manager and or coach have to attend the check-in/reception on Thursday Oct. 30th between 4-10pm?
YES.
The Nike Bauer International AAA Invite MANDATORY check-in/reception is an unique and innovative way to gather all team personnel for a social gathering.  In addition, each team picks up player gifts and additional tournament information that evening. Both are considered featured, and favorite events for the coaches/managers. When teams accept entrance into the Nike Bauer AAA Invite they do so knowing that participation in the manager/coach reception is mandatory for ALL teams.

Is there a fee for admission?
NO
. Your team entry fee allows any individual to attend any games for free.

Are there many scouts that attend? And where are they from?
YES
. The United States Hockey League (USHL) is a major sponsor of our tournament.  Over 70 scouts attended the 2007 Nike Bauer International Invite. The scouts came from Juniors (USHL, NAHL, EJHL, and Major Junior), Div 1 and 3 colleges, and some NHL teams. 

Will there be a photographer for the tournament?
YES
.  Under Tournament Contacts you will see the Photographers contact information for each level.

What are the rules?
Please see the Official Tournament Rules
and Regulations posted on the website. Teams must be affiliated with one of the following: CHA, USA Hockey or IIHF.

I want to become involved as a sponsor for this event. Who do I get in touch with?
Andrea Hahn, danandandreahahn@aol.com or 630.521.1111.

I have a question that is not on this list, what do I do?
Email the Tournament Director at kmhinc@aol.com or call the Main Office and ask for Kevin Mann 630.521.1111.


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