Elite League

Midwest Xposure set for March 16-18

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

Like it’s “parent,” the Upper Midwest High School Elite League, the Midwest Xposure Tournament adjusts to maintain it’s strength and competitiveness. Consequently, it will be staying with it’s early dates — one week after the Minnesota State High School Tournament (March 16-18). It has also made a decision to adjust the number of teams each year based on the quality of the player applications.

“The number of teams, at 20 players per team, could vary from 10 to 12 this year,” said co-director Tom Ward of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School. We want this to be top competition that challenges every player and keeps the scouts coming, from junior to college and pro.”

The five game tourney per team tucks in neatly between the high school season and the Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey Advanced camps. It also fits with the high school and midget seasons of neighboring states and provinces.

“We have to take a much broader geographical area into consideration now,” said Larry Horstman, Xposure general manager and registrar. “Manitoba now sends dozens of players as does Wisconsin, North Dakota, and other surrounding states. It would be unusual to not have 10 to 13 states and two to four countries represented.” Manitoba coach Mike Wake noted that “almost every Manitoba player we’ve sent has had junior team contact — what a great tournament.”

While Minnesota players used to flock to Vancouver or Toronto for their post season tournaments, the costs of participation, travel and lodging have made the local tourney a $1,000 per player savings at only $399. “Not only are we massively less expensive for the Minnesota and upper midwest player, but our limited enrollment makes our competition better as well,” said co-director John Russo. “I’ve been coaching, operating impactive hockey training, managing the Upper Midwest High School Elite League, and writing coaches advice in Let’s Play Hockey for over 25 years; this Xposure process falls right into the quality spectrum of the other activities. It’s  important to Tom Ward and I that we have a superior program for a good price.”

What are the chances of a midget or high school player getting into the Xposure Tournament? “We are expecting around 400-450 applicants again this year, so about half of them will get in,” commented Larry Horstman. “We’ll have about one-third of the roster filled with Upper Midwest Elite 2011, as well as 2012 players; the rest will be wide open.”

The number of scouts has remained strong over the previous six years. The Xposure is operated on the two arena Shattuck-St. Mary’s School campus in Faribault. The top Shattuck-St. Mary’s players will also participate.

Player profile books are available for scouts, as are game videos for scouts and players (they can be mailed directly to colleges and junior teams upon request). All stats are by Hockey Hub (view at mnhockeyhub.com). Jersey’s (free to players) are provided by Bauer.

The tournament web site can be used for application and will show all teams, games, and details: www.Xposurehockey.com.