Defender Hockey Tournament - Firecracker Shootout

OVERVIEW

Embrace the vibrant energy of Ann Arbor as the Firecracker Shootout Tournament unfolds with both boys 8U-18U and girls 12U-19U teams at Biggby Coffee Ice Cube Ann Arbor and Brighton.

*Players must play their age group for the 2026-2027 season.

Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
Certified Referees
Championship Awards
Online Stats & Standings via Defender GAME CENTER powered by Time To Score
Live Streaming via Black Bear TV

Round Robin with Playoffs (Minimum of 4 games). Teams may play one or more round robin games DAY 1, one or more round robin games on DAY 2 with consolation/semi-finals and championship games on the final day. NOTE: Semi-Final rounds and/or consolation games are not guaranteed.

Divisional allocation is based on USA Hockey roster/age group classification for the upcoming season. However, the tournament operations staff may adjust placements to fit individual team competitiveness on a case-by-case basis.

Tournament game schedule will be released 7-10 days prior to the event start date.

Teams must arrive and be available in the local area by the day before the tournament begins and be prepared to play at 7:00 AM local time on the first day of the tournament. Departure should be scheduled on or after the final tournament day, with final games expected to finish by roughly 5:00 PM local time.

Disclaimer: We have noticed an increase in teams that have withdrawn from events at the last minute causing us to have to re-work the schedule. Please DO NOT make any plans that cannot be refunded based on the schedule you receive

ARENAS

Ann Arbor Ice Cube
2121 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Biggby Coffee Ice Cube Brighton
10540 Citation Drive, Brighton, MI 48116

HOTELS

As a reminder, this event is a Stay to Play Event. All teams are to utilize official event hotels. Please click on the link below to secure your team block. Please make sure to designate the number of rooms needed each night when creating the block. You will then receive a confirmation email that contains the booking information to forward to the team families so they may make their individual reservations. All hotels are convenient to arenas. Please make sure families only book via the link provided. Families are not to contact the hotel directly to book rooms for the event.

Please note, the link below will allow you to initially block a maximum of 18 rooms. Once your initial block is filled, rooms can be requested . Please email ibhcbookings@gmail.com to request additional rooms (once the initial rooms have been filled).

IN THE AREA

Restaurants

Applebee's, 3819 Carpenter Rd, Ann Arbor, MI
Leo's Coney Island, 3644 Carpenter Rd, Ann Arbor, MI
Relish Restaurant, 610 Hilton Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI
Fleetwood Diner, 300 S. Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI
Los Amigos, 625 Hilton Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI
Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
Olive Garden, 445 E. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI
Tavern at The Armory, 70 Main Street, Middletown CT, 06457
Frita Batido's, 117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Activities

Kerrytown Market, 407 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Nickels Arcade, 326 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Museum of Natural History, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
University of Michigan Hockey, 1116 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Shopping

Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor, MI
Arborland Center, 3600 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
Oak Valley Center, 2803 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI
Cranbrook Village, 890 Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI
Arbor Hills Shopping Center, 3010 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

DATE

July 10-12, 2026

SKILL LEVEL

AA = Cup Division
A = Open Division

DIVISION

10U-18U

ENTRY FEE

$1,850/team (10U)
$1,875/team (12U)
$2,100/team (14U)
$2,200/team (16U)
$2,200/team (18U)

Firecracker Shootout