Defender Hockey Tournaments kicks off the spring with our highly anticipated Spring Thaw NJ, a Round Robin tournament that brings together age levels ranging from 8U to 18U, promising an exciting display of skill and sportsmanship on the ice.
Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
USA Hockey Sanctioned
Certified Referees
Championship Awards
Online Game Center
Online Stats & Standings via Defender GAME CENTER powered by Time To Score
Live Streaming via Black Bear TV
Round Robin with Playoffs (Minimum of 3 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Disclaimer: We have noticed an increase in teams that have withdrawn from events at the last minute causing us to have to re-work the schedule.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
Jersey Shore Arena
1215 Wyckoff Rd, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Howell Ice Arena
269 Squankum Rd, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Restaurant
Shopping
DATE
May 15-17, 2026
SKILL LEVEL
AA = Cup Division
A = Open Division
B = Challenger Division
C Division
DIVISION
8U - 18U
ENTRY FEE
$875/team (8U)
$1,525/team (10U)
$1,575/team (12U)
$1,625/team (14U)
$1,725/team (16U)
$1,725/team (18U)