Every competitive youth hockey team has to attend tournaments to see how they compare to teams across the USA and Canada. It’s a great opportunity for families to travel and experience cities. Each has its own unique amenities and facilities that can make any trip more enjoyable and can be the difference in your team having a great experience. Check out our top picks for the best cities to travel to for Hockey Tournaments.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is known as a hockey town, and it's easy to see why. With its incredible outdoor rinks, it really gives kids playing in a hockey tournament the feeling of a winter classic game. Buffalo also has a great food scene with some of the best restaurants. The Buffalo Riverworks complex is a great facility that hosts outdoor games but also has a full range of activities like a Ferris Wheel, tree trekking course, rock climbing, and more. Buffalo is also very close to the Canadian border making it the perfect place to get teams from both Canada and the USA.
The premier Tier 2 competition of the year, THE AA CUP, it’s held in Buffalo from December 1–4, 2023. This tournament offers a wide range of competition and features that make it a must-attend event, including outdoor games, sticker trading and opening ceremonies.
THE CUP is the top AAA tournament of the year without a doubt. January 11-14, 2024 in Buffalo. It includes outdoor games played at the magnificent Riverworks arena and East Aurora, Buffalo is the site of the first-ever outdoor winter classic. The Cup hosts 180 teams and has over 300 teams apply every year. Make sure you register early to ensure acceptance.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is hockey’s capital. Home to the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Original Six Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto lives and breathes hockey. Home to the GTHL and OHL, competition lives here! Along with hockey, Toronto has everything your team needs to have a great time. From major cultural institutions like Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum to beloved sports teams like the Raptors and the Maple Leafs, from stunning parks and beaches to iconic architecture like the CN Tower, it’s hard to narrow down the top things to do in Toronto when there are so many world-class attractions.
The Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Canada's top youth hockey team and Prospects by Sports Illustrated jointly present the Canadiens Cup Tyler Cragg Memorial, another outstanding competition. This takes place at the home of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, the Scotiabank Pond, one of the top hockey venues in Canada.
The Canadiens cup takes place in October every year. With play by play commentary and player interviews the Canadiens Cup is always a good time.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a hockey town through and through. The Chicago Blackhawks are part of 'Original Six' teams from the NHL, and they play their home games at the United Center, which is easily accessible. The stadium recently had $100 million worth of renovations done on it and it looks better than ever. Chicago also boasts some of the best restaurants in the country as well as a beautiful lakefront, where you can catch a glimpse of Lake Michigan. Check out their deep-dish pizza, blues music and sports teams.
Check out the upcoming Chicago Cup presented by Prospects by Sports Illustrated. It features both AA and AAA hockey teams from across from North America.
