Combat Hockey/NAHL Showcase set for Sept. 12-16

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 September 2012 16:50

The NAHL Showcase Tournament, presented by Combat Hockey, begins next week. This season marks the 10th anniversary for the NAHL Showcase, which will be held from Sept. 12-16, at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. All 24 NAHL teams will play four regular-season games at the Showcase, which is one of hockey's most prestigious and well-attended events of the entire season. Traditionally, the NAHL Showcase attracts close to 10,000 people in overall attendance, including more than 250 junior, NCAA and professional scouts.

Besides the 24 NAHL teams in attendance, there will also be 36 teams competing at the Tier I 18U Midget Major and 16U Midget Minor levels from the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL). For the second straight season, eight teams from the Upper Midwest High School Elite League (UMHSEL) will be participating at the Showcase. In addition, the Tier I High Performance Hockey League (HPHL) is going to have all six of their 18U Midget Major Teams competing at the event (Compuware, CYA, Honeybaked, Little Caesars, Mission, Team Illinois). Finally, the event will feature a 16U Future Prospects division with six teams from across the U.S.

“It is hard to believe that we are celebrating our 10th anniversary of the NAHL Showcase, and we are thrilled that it continues to be one of the must-see events of the entire season for scouts and fans alike,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “This year’s line-up of teams could be one of the best in the 10-year history of the event and we expect a great and competitive five days of hockey.”

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 NAHL has done an unbelievable job at streamlining what a Showcase should be,” said Colorado College Assistant Coach Joe Bonnett. “When you talk to college coaches across the country and do comparisons, there is no other event like this. It is an incredible way to start the recruiting season because you get a look at all the players from five different leagues.”

Because of the large number of scouts that annually attend this event, the NAHL has set-up a pre-sale for scout passes. Scouts may now choose to purchase the scout pass ahead of time to avoid the lines and waiting at the door. The pre-paid scout pass will be left at will call at the Schwan Super Rink, so upon arrival scouts simply go to will call and pick up the pre-paid pass. To order the scout pass in advance, please e-mail Sara Danielson in the NAHL office or by calling 972-464-1405. Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and Discover are accepted forms of credit card payment.

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. The tremendous efforts of the Super Rink staff, along with those of Visit Minneapolis North, play a vital role in the events success. “The staff at the Schwan Super Rink and Visit Minneapolis North work tirelessly to ensure that everyone coming to town for this annual event has a great experience and accommodations to match,” said Frankenfeld. “The Showcase would not be the event it is today without their involvement and dedication.”

For more details on the Combat Hockey/NAHL Showcase Tournament, including ticket, hotel, rental car, scouting and schedule information, visit NAHLShowcase.com.