Nike Bauer AAA International Invite

I would like to thank you for the tournament this weekend. You and your staff did an excellent job. Everything was covered. Registration- (good food-Gordie Howe). all game slots were on time (even early) and the refs did a great job. Thanks
Peter Russo~ President Mid Fairfield.

The feedback I got from my teams was incredible. I was getting results all weekend from what everyone said, the tournament is one of the best run events they've ever attended. I am sure the AYHL teams will continue to attend. Thanks again for having our teams.

On behalf of the North Jersey Avalanche, I would like to thank you. Our 5 teams had a wonderful experience and the competition was great. We attend all the major tournaments and I have to tell you, your tournament did not take a back seat to any. Our teams did very well this year and I hope you consider putting us in all the highest brackets next season. We host the USA Hockey Nationals next year(2008) for Peewee and Bantam Tier I & Tier II and should have even stronger teams next year. Thanks again for a great tournament.

Other than the ice storm that prevented us from getting into Chicago at a reasonable time (you'll have to work on that next year), all the Honeybaked teams reported they had a great time. Your staff was outstanding, especially Steve at the International Ice Center. He was constantly being bombarded with issues, and he handled them very professionally. I kept telling him how well he was doing and that HB was very pleased with everything surrounding the tournament. Good Job, thanks for having us.
Larry Knapp~ President Detroit Honeybaked

I want to thank you for all your work. It was an excellent tournament! You and your staff did a great job. Thanks again,
Bob Delgadillo~ President WI AAA

Thank you for putting on such a tremendous experience for the hockey teams this past weekend. As a coach of the Team Carolina U16 team, that perhaps was one of the weaker teams there, I was very happy with the talent level of all the teams from top to bottom. You did a great job on putting together the divisions and admitting teams that would be competitive in every game. The referee's were top notch and they were very communicative and consistent which is all anyone can ask for. The USHL seminar was very helpful and it was great to see the number of scouts there, as advertised. It was a treat for the kids of Team Carolina to be able to play against and watch teams like HoneyBaked, Chicago Mission and LA Selects. Hopefully, the kids here will keep improving and they can someday be a force in great tournaments such as yours. Thank you.
Paul Strand ~Carolina Hurricanes Youth and Amateur Hockey Coordinator

Good job!... our 4 teams had a good time once more.
James Gasseau~ President LA Hockey Club

The tournament you ran this year was just unbelievable! Both of our teams had a great time. The competition was top notch, the referees were not notch, the organization was just perfect, and the activities (and equipment displays) you had opening night were just great. I know it sounds like I’m pouring it on but when things go off the way they did this weekend it needs to be said. Thank you again for EVERYTHING!
Bill Bolton~ President Connecticut Lazers

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for everything over the weekend. You went above and beyond in making sure our league was able to have an impact, and hopefully that was the case. You also went above and beyond in making my life very easy while I was there. So my sincerest thanks. You've done a remarkable job in creating an incredible event in a very short time. I'm glad that we've been able to be a part of it and am looking forward to doing it again next year...only better this time. Many thanks.
John Garver! USHL

This was the best event I have ever seen organized. What an impressive job and great results. The toll system is a little weird out there with no change machines. Thanks for having the Jr. Sharks out and we hope to be invited back again next year. If there is anything you need out here on the west coast do not hesitate to ask.
Joe Licolli~ President San Jose Jr. Sharks

Thanks for a great weekend. All three of our teams said they had a great time and enjoyed the tourney. Our 95 team was a little weak but felt they competed in most games. We look forward to next year and hope to be invited again.
Thanks for all you do.
Dennis Sorenson ~ President Alaska All Stars

Just wanted to thank you for running a first rate tournament and we, Team Maryland, are looking forward to participating next year. Sincerely,
Rob Keegan~ President, Team Maryland

Congratulations on a fantastic tournament; the amount of time and commitment really showed. Great touch having Lord Stanley in the house; unfortunately, it was and will be the closest I will ever get to it. Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and the Hall of Fame was nice to see; I hope the young players appreciated it as much as the parents and some of us older coaches. The tournament director at Orland Park did a remarkable job; Andrea was at her post from start to finish and quickly addressing any issues that came her way. Once again, two years in a row, great job done by you and your staff. Sincerely,
Ray Maluta~ Rochester Americans, U-16’s

The tournament was Great! Thank you and your staff for making it an awesome event. See you next year,
Lisa Haig~ President, Mercer Chiefs

First of all thank you for a great tournament. Our team played high level hockey against fantastic competition and in the end we all drove in into Detroit happy with the way our team played and with your tournament. The arena was certainly packed for our last two games. Thank you for all your hard work, and we will see you again next year.
Elena Shur~ Detroit Little Ceasars 93’s

I would like to thank-you for a great tournament on behalf of CYA. The tournament was extremely well run!!
Ryan Taylor~ Chicago Young Americans

Thank you so much for a wonderful experience for our players and their families. This was by far the best run tournament that we have ever attended…wonderful coaches/managers check in and reception, all games on time and close to hotel and fantastic competition. We are looking forward to next year! Thanks again,
Linda Stelzer~ 95 Thunder Team Manager

Just wanted to Thank you and Andrea and the rest of the staff for a great weekend of hockey!
Rob Badger~ Team Comcast U16’s

First off let me say that it was one of the best tournament experiences we have had in a long time! Hats off to all those who participated in making this come off - well done!
Bill Cund~ Long Island Gulls

On behalf of the Thunderbird program, I would like to say thank you for inviting our three teams. You ran a great tournament and we were lucky to be part of it. All the best.
Angelo Ricci ~ Colorado Thunderbirds U16, 94’s, 92’s

Great tournament and fantasic accomodations at the Eaglewood.
Rob Faion~ Toronto Red Wings Minor Bantam

Just to thank you for a well organized, competitive and exciting tournament. Our hotel, the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, was wonderful and we enjoyed playing at both the Lake Forest and Glacier rinks. We were proud of our team's results and the highlight for the boys was playing the Russians in the semi-final round. Special thanks also to your rink director Jill Hare at Glacier…she was fantastic!
Kristin Tuzinkiewicz~ Mid Fairfield Squirt Major 96’s

You did an amazing job! You should be very proud of all that you accomplished. Perhaps you can now catch your breath, reflect with pride on all you did, enjoy the result and relax a little. All the best.
Tom Baker~ Toronto Nationals U16’s

First, congratulations on a truly first-class tourney! The games all started on time or early, the competition was great, special events were great, and, as I told Jordy, the chance to play teams from all of the world in your own backyard is truly incredible. Congratulations again on a wonderful event.
Rich Reizen~ CYA 94’s

On behalf of the Falcons organization, I want to thank you for including us in this tournament. It was an incredible learning experience for our boys and it was amazing to see such talent at such a young age. The tournament was very well run and it was an experience my 10 year old will never forget. Thanks again,
Larry Stolberg~ Falcons CSDHL 96’s

I want to commend you and your team for a fantastic tournament that was First Class in all aspects and a very worthwhile experience for the boys and coaches (at least for our team) to see and play some great competition in 2 the days.....unfortunately this time we did not get an extra game but we look forward to attending next year and hopefully doing even better.
Ray Pekar~ Sun County 93’s

Great to see you after such a long time! I just wanted to thank you and your staff (esp. Jill Hare) for an amazing time had by Boston Mission! Our parents, kids, and coaches all had an awesome time. The rinks, the hotel and overall running of the tournament was tremendous. Please include us on e-mail lists etc for anything you may host in the near future. Thanks for having Boston Mission.
Garry Garland~ Boston Mission 96’s

Terrific tournament again this year! Your staff was very helpful, you attracted top notch competition and the hotel accommodations were great. Thank you very much.
Susan Deutsch~ Long Island Gulls 92’s

Just a quick note of thanks for having us out to Chicago. Everything was great and your kindness to me and my kids was greatly appreciated. My father still hasn't gotten over the fact that Mr. Hockey called him! Anyway thanks again and we'll talk soon. My kids had a blast! Great Job!!
Ray Jacques~ Lowell Jr. Riverhawks 94’s

Awesome experience for all, we would definitely like to participate in this tournament again.
Thanks,
Kory Wright~ Alaska Allstars PeeWee minor 95’s

Great job this weekend on the Tourney, we lost to your Mission 93's 4-2 in the quarter Final today with my Honeybaked 93's, it was a great game tied 2-2 going into the 3rd period. Thanks again and great job.
Donald W. Harkins~ Detroit Honeybaked 93’s

We really enjoyed the tournament and chance to host the Russian boys. It has been a great experience. I know it is going to be hard to say good bye tomorrow.
Nikki Ruzanski~ Mission 96’s

This is a first class event that is far ahead of any other tournament. The staff did an outstanding job, and should be given an A+ grade. Your tournament is so far ahead of the competition. It is fine tuning to a finely tuned machine. Thank you for the opportunity for our team to participate.
Thanks,
Doug Nickerson~ 93' WI AAA

First let me say the tournament was fantastic, from the competition to the format and the ability to stay on time for all the games. It seems your already aware of some things that can only enhance the event and if you didn't change a thing it was still a great event. Realizing the amount of time and effort that went into to planning and orchestrating this event, all I can say great job. My team had a great time and will look forward to coming back for years to come.
Joe Butcher~ Madison Capitols 94

I just wanted to thank you for bringing Riley up to the VIP room to get Bobby Hull's autograph. You have no idea how excited he was. He really felt like a V.I.P. Also, the tournament this past weekend was incredible. My family had a great time. Thank you for the great memories.
The Biel family

Everyone was very impressed with how well the tournament ran. No doubt, please consider us in for next year. The hotel's accommodations, it's location to the rinks, tournament schedule, rink facilities, tournament staff and the entire experience was excellent.
Thank you!
Pat Marody ~ 96 HoneyBaked

Thank you for letting the San Jose Jr. Sharks participate this past weekend. I got a chance to speak to both of our younger coaches, and they felt that the experience that there teams got will just benefit the development of the kids and there teams. Thank you again.
Derek Eisler~ San Jose Jr. Sharks

On behalf of the '96 Pittsburgh Hornets, I wanted to thank you for an outstanding weekend! While we were not the most talented in the bunch, we all enjoyed a great time and are already talking about next year!. We recognize that an event of this magnitude takes the coordination and effort of many, so please pass on our gratitude to your team. Congratulations on a job well done!
'96 Pittsburgh Hornets

The tournament competition was excellent. The overall attitude and general friendliness offered by the staff running the check in and tournament sites themselves was excellent !! The arenas (by US standards) were well above average, and the dressing rooms were reasonably tidy and clean. The planning done in accommodating teams within a reasonable distance to their rinks was greatly appreciated. The gifts for the kids and the complimentary supper for the staff members was a nice touch. The tournament's use of the Pointstreak system was very efficient....and allowed all participants the chance to 'check things out' !!
Dave Partridge~ Head Coach Huron-Perth Lakers Minor Bantam AAA

The tournament finished with a great series of games ending with a great final game. Anyway the kids, coaches and parents were very happy with the results. Thanks from the Toronto Marlboros. Cheers

Overall you guys did a great job and the competition was very good. It was the best run
tournament we have attended all season. Good job and we look forward to
attending next season.
Paul Taylor~ Texas Attack U16

On behalf of our Long Island Gulls 1993 Bantam Minor team, I would like to express our thanks for the invitation to participate in the 2006 Nike Bauer Invite. The competition was excellent and the experience an overall positive one. Once again, thanks for an awesome experience and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Ramona Fallica~ Manager Long Island Gulls Bantam Minor

Not patronizing you, but speaking out of sincerity; your tournament was one of the most well run tournaments we have been at. Thanks again.
Jack Campbell Sr ~ Detoit Honeybaked 92’s

Just wanted to thank you for the invite this year. We had a great time, as usual the tournament was exceptional. We look forward to playing next year. Take care,
Janie DeLeo~ LA Hockey Club

First of all, a big thanks for putting together one of the best tournaments we have ever attended. I was impressed with how smoothly everything ran, from game times to the professional festive atmosphere. It all worked out well, as the team played very well against the world's top competition. Sitting in the lounge between games on Sunday there was a sense as I talked to Ron Jacobs that we were sitting amongst some potential Div 1 players and/or future NHL players! As the many players from the Marlies, Little Caesars, Texas, Mission, and Valley Jr. Warriors walked by us.
Mike Sparks~ Chicago Mission 93’s

My name is John Fritz and I am the franchise holder for the Orchard lake Pirates 96 team. I could not attend and do not have a player on the team. I have heard nothing but great things from my families regarding your tournament, its activities and how it was run. Thank you for allowing us to participate and we hope to receive another acceptance next season.
John Fritz~ Orchard Lake Pirates 96

Just wanted to drop a note to say how much I liked the tournament this year. Over these past 17 years I have been to countless tournaments with all 3 of my children and I can honestly say that I can count on 1 hand the very few that I remember. This is one of those tournaments. You are to be commended for all the hard work, professionalism, fun competition, great ref's and over all great time this past weekend. I for one appreciated this weekend tremendously. Sincerely,
Jeff Holmes~ CYA U16’s

Very well done! The tournament was very well executed, you had very capable and accomodating staff, and you did an excellent job of bringing in top competition for the 93 division. The only problem is the officiating is not capable of performing at that level. That seems to be the only complaint from any Canadian teams I have spoken with in regards to the tournament. We have spoken in regards to the officials, so no need to beat the horse, and I appreciate your struggle with the current system. Good work!
Dave Chevrier

Thanks so much - our team had a GREAT time!!! It was so well done and the kids had a blast, even with getting blown out our last game! Hopefully we'll be a stronger team next year - but I believe we would like to come back for next years tournament. If there's two divisions - that would be great. I like that idea and the idea of increasing the fee and dropping the gate fee. One other suggestion from our parents - more vendors at the individual rinks please. Lots of waiting time with younger kids - shopping gives them something to do. Jill was the manager at our rink (Glacier) and she did a great job! So well run! Thanks again and we hope you'll have us back again next year. Sincerely,
Robin Trellis~ 96 Pittsburgh Hornets

Your tournament was a great success for our product the bagball™ and the Air-Flow Locker™. Our goal was to introduce the bagball™ to a new region so people could get first hand experience using it. We moved over 1500 bagballs in the 3+ days. Thanks again. Best regards,
Tom Zarembinski~ Air-Flow Lockers, LLC

USHL Scouts Nike Bauer Players

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With only two games played by most teams, I can say this has already been one of the best tournaments I've ever seen. We saw a many of these players at the National Development Camp in Rochester over the summer, but the focus there was on individual development and evaluation. Here, the focus is on competition and team-work, and somehow, the USHL scouts are keeping track of about 680 players at the Bantam Major level alone. USHL Director of Scouting and Recuritment, Bob Turow, spoke to parents and players yesterday about the USHL draft. Some parents have been through this before with other children or may have even been through the draft themselves as youngsters, but this was all new to me. I certainly didn't expect it and it was a very informative, eye-opening seminar. What I gathered is that the USHL is the premier Tier 1 Junior league in the USA. It's purpose is to develop student players in preparation for college scholarships (in addition to making money by putting competitive teams on the ice for fans). The USHL and the NTDP sound like the best options for top players. The USHL draft process starts at the Bantam Major level (14 years-old). This year, the A-Train and his class (born in 1992) are evaluated at events like the Nike Bauer International Invite here in Chicago and the cream of the crop (about 300 players) are added to the USHL Central Scouting Draft Lists. They're rated 1-4 and next year, when the players are 15, individual USHL teams use the Central Scouting Report as a resource from which to make their draft decisions. Mr. Turow was careful to stress that the number of players who make it to the NHL is miniscule, but more college scholarship recipients travel the path of the USHL or NTDP than any other avenue.
Sounds like the Central Scouting Draft Lists are published in three phases and phase one will be starting soon. One of the players asked a question which elicited an interesting answer. He asked, "Does it matter where you play?" meaning, high school or AAA. Mr. Turow said that the AAA teams get more looks than the high school teams, but there are three major events that players seeking exposure should attend if possible: