Sharks Ice at San Jose to Host USHL Western Shootout

Press Release

SAN JOSE, California – Sharks Sports & Entertainment and the United States Hockey League (USHL) have reached an agreement to host the USHL’s first in-season youth tournament of the 2012-13 season, the USHL Western Shootout, from August 31 to September 3, 2012 at Sharks Ice at San Jose.

The four-day event will ice some of the best Midget Major, Midget Minor, and Bantam Major AAA hockey teams from across the United States and Canada and will showcase players to scouts from every USHL team and USHL Central Scouting.

The tournament, hosted by the San Jose Jr. Sharks, will be the ninth annual Labor Day Tournament held by the club at the Sharks Ice at San Jose facility. Each team is guaranteed four games and players will be able to take part in informational sessions regarding the USHL and the opportunities the League has to offer. The Jr. Sharks aim of the tournament is to provide a high-level AAA season-opening experience while providing players some exposure to the USHL. The USHL’s goal for the tournament is to help identify future players and to find the best players to participate in the 2013 USHL Combines.

The USHL has 16 member teams located in the Midwestern United States consisting of players who are 20 years of age and younger. The USHL is strictly amateur, allowing former USHL players to compete for NCAA teams later in their career. For more information on the USHL Western Shootout, including registration, please visit http://www.sjjrsharks.com.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)