Friday, July 20, 2012

Schedule released for Combat Hockey/NAHL Showcase

Press Release

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the game schedule for the 10th annual NAHL Showcase Tournament, presented by Combat Hockey, which will be held from September 12-16, 2012 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota.

All 24 NAHL teams will play four regular-season games at the Showcase, which has evolved into one of hockey's most prestigious and well-attended events of the entire season. The league has also released a special, commemorative logo for the Showcase which recognizes the 10th annual event.

View the complete 2012 NAHL Showcase schedule here

The event will also feature 36 teams from the Tier I North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) and eight additional teams from the Upper Midwest High School Elite League (UMHSEL), who will complete the five-day, 68-team showcase event. A complete schedule for all PHL teams at the Showcase is expected to be released in the very near future.

For scouting purposes, the event is a can't-miss for every NCAA program and NHL team as they get their first look at some of the best and brightest hockey talent North America has to offer. The Schwan Super Rink is the largest ice arena of its kind in the world. The state-of-the-art facility, a $21 million project totaling over 300,000 square feet, features eight sheets of ice under one roof. With all its varied amenities and services, the Schwan Super Rink is absolutely unique in the world of ice sport facilities.

It will be the first event of the season for the PHL, which will also be played in conjunction with the Showcase. Now entering its fourth season, the PHL is made up of 36 teams: 18 Midget Major (18U) and 18 Midget Minor (16U) from 18 programs that compete at the Tier I youth level. For more information on the NAPHL, visit www.naphl.com.

This marks the second consecutive Showcase event in which the NAHL has partnered with the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. At the Showcase, the Elite League will feature eight total teams: five teams from Minnesota, one North Dakota/Minnesota combo team, Wisconsin's top prep team and an at-large team. The partnership between the NAHL and the Elite League further enhances the Showcase since both see numerous players commit to NCAA programs each season.

Traditionally, the NAHL Showcase Tournament attracts over 9,000 people in overall attendance, including more than 250 professional, college and junior scouts.

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

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