OVERVIEW
The U.S. Federations National Championships will feature the top teams competing at the 8U AAA, 9U AAA, & 10U AAA divisions from across the United States. This event, scheduled for February 14-16, 2026, is by invitation only and will take place at the Ice Vault in Wayne, NJ. All games will be broadcast on BlackBearSports.TV with live announcers.
ARENAS
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
DATE
February 14-16, 2026
SKILL LEVEL
AAA
DIVISION
8U-10U
ENTRY FEE
$1,275 PER TEAM
BY INVITE ONLY
MORE TOURNAMENTS
OVERVIEW
The Atlantic Hockey Federation & Defender Hockey Tournaments will be hosting a series of showcases for its member teams. The Showcases are a great way for AHF teams to get four competitive games in on a weekend versus teams that they do not play during the regular season. The Showcase will also feature guest teams from around the country competing versus AHF teams.
ARENAS


IN THE AREA
Restaurants in Chicago
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Address: 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
- The Purple Pig, Address: 444 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Girl & The Goat, Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Alinea, Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
- Portillo's Hot Dogs, Address: 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Activities in Chicago
- Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
- Navy Pier, Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Millennium Park, Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Art Institute of Chicago, Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
- Shedd Aquarium, Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Shopping in Chicago
- Magnificent Mile, Address: N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Water Tower Place, Address: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- The Shops at North Bridge, Address: 520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- 900 North Michigan Shops, Address: 900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- State Street Retail Historic District, Address: State St, Chicago, IL 60602
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
14U DIVISION
-
AZ BOBCATS
-
CAROLINA JR CANES
-
LITTLETON HAWKS
15U DIVISION
-
AZ BOBCATS
-
LITTLETON HAWKS
-
NAPERVILLE SABRES
-
VERNON HILLS
16U DIVISION
-
AZ BOBCATS
-
LITTLETON HAWKS
-
NORTHERN CYCLONES
-
PAL BLUE KNIGHTS
-
JOILET JAGUARS
-
NAPERVILLE SABRES
18U DIVISION
-
AZ BOBCATS
-
LITTLETON HAWKS
-
NORTHERN CYCLONES
-
TRI CITY
-
BENET ACADEMY
-
JOLIET JAGUARS
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
DATE
January 17-19, 2025
SKILL LEVEL
AA
DIVISION
14U-18U
ENTRY FEE
MORE TOURNAMENTS
OVERVIEW
Defender Hockey Tournaments is back in action, bringing you the spirited St. Paddy's Puck Smackdown Tournament in Delaware. This Round Robin tournament is set to dazzle across age levels from 8U to 12U, promising a weekend of top-tier hockey and Irish luck on display.
Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
USA Hockey Sanctioned
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/or 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
Patriot Ice Center
101 John F Campbell Drive, Newark, DE 19711

HOTELS
IN THE AREA
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
8U C
-
SOUTH JERSEY MONARCHS
10U OPEN DIVISION
-
PHILADELPHIA BLAZERS
-
TEAM PHILADELPHIA
10U CHALLENGER DIVISION
-
CUTTING EDGE COBRAS
-
GRUNDY SENATORS
-
CAROLINA JR HURRICANES 9U RED
12U CHALLENGER DIVISION
-
CAMILLUS COUGARS
-
WHITE PLAINS PLAINSMEN 12U
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
DATE
Mar 6-8, 2026
GAMES BEGIN FRIDAY, 4:00PM
SKILL LEVEL
A = Open Division
B = Challenger Division
DIVISION
10U-12U
ENTRY FEE
$899/team (8U)
$1,499/team (10U)
$1,499/team (12U)
MORE TOURNAMENTS
OVERVIEW
Welcome to Defender’s President’s Cup—an action-packed Presidents’ Day Weekend event at Patriot Ice Center in Delaware. Featuring 10U–14U OPEN and CHALLENGER divisions, this tournament brings together strong competition, great energy, and a well-run experience for teams at multiple levels. Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, the Delaware President’s Cup pairs exciting hockey with easy travel, family-friendly attractions, and plenty to explore throughout the holiday weekend, making it an ideal destination for players and families alike.
Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
USA Hockey Sanctioned
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/or 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
Patriot Ice Center
101 John F Campbell Drive, Newark, DE 19711

HOTELS
IN THE AREA
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
10U OPEN DIVISION
-
SOUND TIGERS (BLUE)
-
ROYALS
-
YORK DEVILS
-
JERSEY SHORE WILDCATS (BLACK)
-
DELAWARE DUCKS
-
UNION THUNDER 10A WHITE
-
SOUTH PITTSBURGH REBELLION 2016
10U CHALLENGER DIVISION
-
JERSEY SHORE WILDCATS (RED)
-
WONDERLAND WIZARDS
-
CRANFORD HOCKEY CLUB, SQUIRT GOLD 10U B
-
MERCER CHIEFS U10 BLACK
-
DIX HILLS HOCKEY CLUB
-
DELAWARE DUCKS 12A GRETZKY
-
NJ ROCKETS SQUIRT BLACK
12U OPEN DIVISION
-
ROYALS
-
IGLOO JAGUARS (BOBB)
-
DELAWARE DUCKS
-
PHILADELPHIA BLAZERS
-
UNION THUNDER 12UA AMERICAN WHITE
-
GRUNDY SENATORS
-
MERCER CHIEFS 12A BLACK
-
NYC CYCLONES
12U CHALLENGER DIVISION
-
JERSEY SHORE WILDCATS (RED)
-
ROYALS
-
GRUNDY SENATORS
-
DELAWARE DUCKS 12B MCDAVID
14U OPEN DIVISION
-
YORK DEVILS
-
JERSEY SHORE WILDCATS
-
UNION THUNDER
-
ALLEGHENY BADGERS TEAM WAGGLE
-
RESTON RAIDERS 14U SILVER
-
DELAWARE DUCKS 13AA
-
UNION THUNDER 14U B
14U CHALLENGER DIVISION
-
JERSEY SHORE WILDCATS
-
PECONIC WILDCATS 14U MINOR
-
GRUNDY SENATORS
-
DIX HILLS HOCKEY CLUB
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
DATE
Feb 14-16, 2026
SKILL LEVEL
A = Open Division
B = Challenger Division
DIVISION
10U-14U
ENTRY FEE
$1,499/team (10U)
$1,499/team (12U)
$1,499/team (14U)
MORE TOURNAMENTS
OVERVIEW
Defender Hockey Tournaments is proud to welcome back the highly anticipated Mite Madness Tournament at York Ice Arena. This two-day round-robin event is designed exclusively for Mite teams, showcasing the energy, skill, and excitement of the game’s youngest players. With limited spots available and strong demand each year, Mite Madness delivers a fast-paced, fun-filled hockey experience set in the heart of the York–Hershey region—an area packed with family-friendly attractions that make this a weekend to remember both on and off the ice.
Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
USA Hockey Sanctioned
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/or 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
York Ice Arena
941 Vander Ave, York, PA 17403

HOTELS
IN THE AREA
York, Pennsylvania, is a beautiful location for this exciting tournament. There are plenty of activities to do in the area, including exploring the history of the United States. York is the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, and visitors can learn more about this important historical document at the Colonial Courthouse.
The Indian Steps Museum is also a fascinating destination, where visitors can learn about indigenous peoples and their culture. For those interested in the performing arts, the 20th-century Capitol Theatre in the Appell Center for the Performing Arts hosts seasonal events and comedy shows.
The county is also home to over 4,500 acres of public parks and dozens of biking and hiking trails, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
Restaurants
- Wyndridge Farm
- John Wright Restaurant
- ROOST Uncommon Kitchen
- Central Family Restaurant
- Sweet Willows Creamery
Shopping
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
8U A
-
CRANFORD (BLUE)
-
PHILADELPHIA BLAZERS (BLACK)
-
YORK DEVILS (STOUGH)
-
YORK DEVILS (ATLAND)
-
OLD BRIDGE JR KNIGHTS
-
LI REBELS
-
LONG BEACH LIGHTNING
-
RINKX 8U
-
EDGE 8U MAJOR
8U B
-
CRANFORD (GOLD)
-
CRANFORD (WHITE)
-
DELAWARE DUCKS (WHITE)
-
POTOMAC PATRIOTS
-
LI REBELS
-
GRUNDY SENATORS
-
JERSEY CITY CAPITALS
-
LONG BEACH LIGHTNING
8U C
-
CRANFORD (GREEN)
-
CRANFORD (SILVER)
-
PHILADELPHIA BLAZERS (GREY)
-
PHILADELPHIA BLAZERS (ORANGE)
-
DELAWARE DUCKS (BLACK)
-
DELAWARE DUCKS (MAROON)
-
DELAWARE DUCKS (TEAL)
-
YORK DEVILS (BOWLES)
-
YORK DEVILS (BARBOR)
-
PIEDMONT PREDATORS
-
PECONIC WILDCATS
-
GRUNDY SENATORS
-
JERSEY CITY CAPITALS
-
JERSEY CITY CAPITALS
-
JERSEY CITY CAPITALS
-
NAVY YOUTH HOCKEY MITE LIGHT BLUE
-
HUNTSMEN
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
DATE
Jan 31-Feb 1, 2026
SKILL LEVEL
A/B/C
DIVISION
8U
ENTRY FEE
$995/team
MORE TOURNAMENTS
OVERVIEW
Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
USA Hockey Sanctioned
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/or 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

HOTELS
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
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
10U OPEN DIVISION
-
BIGGBY BOMBERS 2016
-
ST LOUIS ROCKETS
12U OPEN DIVISION
-
BIGGBY BOMBERS 2012 BLACK
14U OPEN DIVISION
-
LANSING SPARTANS '12
-
ALLEGHENY 14U JOHOVICH
-
408 TRI-COUNTY BANTAM 1
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
DATE
Feb 14-16, 2026
SKILL LEVEL
Open Divisions
DIVISION
10U-14U
ENTRY FEE
$1,799/team (10U)
$1,849/team (12U)
$1,899/team (14U)
MORE TOURNAMENTS
OVERVIEW
Welcome to Defender’s Mite Winter Classic—Pittsburgh’s must-play 8U event of the season. Taking place January 24–25, 2026 at Palmer Imaging Arena, this high-demand tournament is designed exclusively for Tier II 8U B and C teams, delivering fast-paced games, great energy, and an unforgettable experience for young players. With limited spots, and a family-friendly city full of things to explore, the Mite Winter Classic is all about fun, development, and making memories on and off the ice.
Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
USA Hockey Sanctioned
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/or 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
Palmer Imaging Arena
100 Center Ice Drive, Delmont, PA 15626

HOTELS
IN THE AREA
Restaurants
The Lamplighter, 6566 William Penn Hwy, Delmont, PA 15626
Jigger’s Pub, 5835 Washington Ave, Export, PA 15632
Sweet Tillie’s Bakery & Cafe, 1001- B 5th Ave, New Kensington, PA 15068
Kings Family Restaurant, 6297 US-30, Greensburg, PA 15601
Italian Village Pizza, 7807 US-22, New Alexandria, PA 15670
Primanti Bros., 4501 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Activities
Northmoreland Park, 280 Markle Rd, Apollo, PA 15613
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, 7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Kennywood Park, 4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122
Shopping
Monroeville Mall, 200 Mall Cir Dr, Monroeville, PA 15146
Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, 590 Pittsburgh Mills Blvd, Tarentum, PA 15084
Waterworks Mall, 934 Freeport Rd, Blawnox, PA 15238
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
8U B
-
IGLOO JAGUARS
-
MON VALLEY THUNDER (BURNCHECK)
-
HAGERSTOWN BULLDOGS
-
BALTIMORE STARS
-
RMU BATTALION
-
BEAVER COUNTY BADGERS WHITE - DIDIO
-
PINK CHICKLETZ
-
HAVERFORD HAWKS
-
READING JR ROYALS
8U C
-
READING ROYALS
-
MON VALLEY THUNDER-1 (BLUE)
-
MON VALLEY THUNDER-2 (BLUE)
-
SOUTH PITTSBURGH REBELLION
-
HAGERSTOWN BULLDOGS
-
SHAHA
-
BALTIMORE STARS
-
PITTSBURGH YETIS
-
ALLEGHENY BADGERS MITE BLUE - MILLLER
-
REBELLION 8U WASIK
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
DATE
Jan 24-25, 2026
SKILL LEVEL
B/C
DIVISION
8U
ENTRY FEE
$995/team (8U)
