GREEN BAY (NBC 26) \u2014 The nation\u2019s top 15- and 16-year-old hockey players are converging in Green Bay this week for the USA Hockey Tier I Nationals, marking the second time the city has hosted the event.<\/p>\n
Thirty-two teams from across the country are competing at the highest level of their age group, with many players eyeing opportunities in junior leagues and, eventually, the NHL.<\/p>\n
WATCH THE STORY HERE:<\/p>\n
USA Hockey Nationals Take Over Green Bay<\/p>\n
For some programs, simply making it to nationals is historic. Max Gerum, a defenseman for the Providence Capitals, said it\u2019s a milestone for a team playing in the tournament for the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of us haven\u2019t played together since the fall, but we\u2019ve grown up playing together,\u201d Gerum said. \u201cWe call ourselves a family, and it just feels amazing to be here. We\u2019ve worked so hard, and now we get to show what we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gerum said the team\u2019s mindset is simple: treat every game like any other and focus on the hockey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to minimize the situation,\u201d he said. \u201cWe all play great teams, so we just think it\u2019s another day and another game. We want to show the type of hockey we play\u2014fast, hard, and smart.\u201d<\/p>\n
For national powerhouses like Shattuck-St. Mary\u2019s, the tournament is about defending a reputation and proving themselves against the best competition. Goaltender Cade Nystrom said the team thrives under the pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s gunning for you,\u201d Nystrom said. \u201cIt\u2019s good knowing we\u2019ll have strong competition every day. We practice hard, play hard, and now we get the chance to compete for a national championship. We\u2019re excited to put in the work and show what we\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n
The weeklong tournament spans multiple arenas, including the Cornerstone Community Center and De Pere Ice Arena. Don Chilson, manager of Cornerstone, said hosting the event takes more than 500 volunteers and a full year of planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our biggest event in terms of days and participants,\u201d Chilson said. \u201cTeams from Florida, California, Rhode Island\u2014people come from all over the country. They see our facilities and our community, and it really makes an impression.\u201d<\/p>\n
The schedule features pool play Tuesday through Thursday, quarterfinals Friday, semifinals Saturday, and championship games Sunday. Cornerstone Community Center will host all semifinal and final games.<\/p>\n
Chilson said seeing young athletes and their families enjoy Green Bay is one of the most rewarding parts of hosting.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt first, some people grumble about coming to Green Bay,\u201d he said. \u201cBut once they get here, they realize it\u2019s easy to get around, the people are friendly, and the facilities are top-notch. That\u2019s really nice to hear from visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tournament is expected to showcase future stars while providing an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.<\/p>\n