Spring hockey can be a beast to tame these days with countless camps, seminars, tournaments and training programs. But which one is right for YOUR player? This year the Thunderbirds are proud to recommend the following regional spring programs, offering ice and positions for players of all ages, skill levels and time commitment.
Our invite-only Hockey Hall of Fame Series teams, Rocky Mountain Selects, offer a AAA-level experience for top players to stay in game shape all spring long by traveling to some of the most prestigious tournaments on the continent while being evaluated by former NHL coaches and elite college players.
For players looking to level up weekly, but may not be at AAA tier quite yet, the Denver Jets offer top tier coaching and the opportunity to travel to the Minnesota Meltdown and test your newly refined skills against other players around the country. Looking for a commitment that doesn't require travel? The Denver Jets program also offers spots to players looking to play without going to Minnesota in the springtime.
DENVER JETS - DEVELOPMENT & MINNESOTA MELTDOWN
BIRTH YEARS: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018
The Denver Jets offer TWO spring hockey pathways this season for players aspiring to become AAA-level athletes.
Players can choose to sign up for the spring development program INCLUDING tryouts and possible placement on a Minnesota Meltdown team traveling in April, with practice sessions taking place from March-May at Big Bear Ice Arena.
Families can also choose to only participate in Denver Jets spring development training sessions for a smaller registration fee and get the same training sessions but without the added benefit of travel and competitive gameplay.
Minnesota Meltdown
*Every effort will be made to place all players on a tournament team if registered. There may be situations due to registration numbers or player availability where it is not possible to place a player on a tournament team. In this rare case, no April fee will be invoiced (or, if paid in full, April portion will be fully refunded.
The 30th annual Minnesota Meltdown is gearing up for great hockey this April, offering 20+ competitive age levels of and expected to have the strongest field of teams to date.
*Teams traveling from out of town will begin play on Friday when possible.
- 4-game guarantee - possible bonus game(s)
- 15 minute stop-time periods
- Team trophies for 1st - 3rd place teams
- Player awards for 1st and 2nd place teams
- 20+ competitive age divisions available
- Checking at the 2012 age level and older
- USA Hockey rules will be followed with exceptions
- USA Hockey, MSHSL, NCAA, and Canadian officials
- No gate fees! Free admission for all spectators
- Free Tournament Mobile App
- Fully-insured event (not a USA Hockey event)
REGISTER FOR DENVER JETS PLACEMENT & MINNESOTA MELTDOWN
REGISTER FOR SPRING DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS ONLY
INVITE OR APPLICATION ONLY: Rocky Mountain Selects Hockey Hall of Fame Series
The Hockey Hall of Fame Series brings together elite youth spring hockey teams from across North America for an unforgettable, high-level competition. Each event offers a unique blend of intense gameplay, memorable moments, and a boutique-style format designed to keep competition fierce and events intimate. The HHOF Future Legends event is individual-entry and features an opening ceremony and a private experience at the Hockey Hall of Fame, adding an extra layer of prestige to an already exceptional experience.
The Rocky Mountain Selects will be comprised of invite-only, elite AAA-level players from throughout the state and district and coached by an all-star cast of guest coaches including Toby Peterson (Head Coach, Texas Stars AHL), Angelo Ricci (Former NHL Skills Coach, PHI/BUF), Josiah Didier (Defenseman, Laval Rocket AHL), and Mike Davies (Forward, Tulsa Oilers ECHL).
TORONTO (2017-18): April 23-26
Teams comprised of 2017 and 2018 birth year players will travel to Toronto, guest coached by Mike Davies. Thunderbirds coach Ryan Seavy will join the staff.
Play Hockey is proud to host the Hockey Hall of Fame Series event for Elite 2016-2018 birth year players (invite only) in Toronto, Ontario next Spring! Our 2026 event will feature many of the top Spring organizations in North America sending their top rosters to compete. All HHOF Series events are invite-only, elite-level hockey tournaments with a limited field of teams to ensure highly competitive games.
Aside from the high-level hockey, Toronto has an abundance of attractions and things to do. You will not get bored in Toronto, whether you are immersing yourself with local handcrafted items and amazing food at the St. Lawrence Market, going to see exquisite sea animals at Ripley Aquariums , or taking a trip to the top of the CN Tower . You cannot miss out on visiting the famous Hockey Hall of Fame.
APPLY FOR INVITATION TODAY
Ft. Lauderdale (2013): May 21-23
Teams comprised of 2013 birth year players will travel to Florida. Guest coach TBD.
Our 2026 event will feature the top 2013 born players from North America in a team-entry format. All HHOF Series events are invite-only, elite-level hockey tournaments with a limited field of teams to ensure highly competitive games. Each year the events travel to different cities to provide families with an appealing variety of travel experiences and top-level competition.
Aside from the top-level hockey you will experience at the rink, the destination of Fort Lauderdale offers something to every traveler, budget and interest. Relax on one of the many tropical beaches or take a scenic walk along the River Walk. Enjoy boat or helicopter tours, paddling or snorkeling in pristine waterways or sit back and enjoy the views from the historic Jungle Queen.
APPLY FOR INVITATION TODAY
Nashville (2014): June 11-13
Teams comprised of 2014 birth year players will travel to Nashville, guest coached by Josiah Didier. Thunderbirds coach Jamie O'Leary will join the staff.
Our 2026 event will feature the top 2014-born elite male players from North America in a team-entry format. All HHOF Series events are invite-only, elite-level hockey tournaments with a limited field of teams to ensure highly competitive games. Each year, the events travel to different cities to provide families with an appealing variety of travel experiences and top-level competition.
Aside from the high-level hockey at the rink, Nashville offers a vibrant destination with something for every traveler. Explore the iconic Music City scene, enjoy live country music, or visit historic landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry. Families can also experience the city’s renowned Southern cuisine, stroll along the Cumberland River, or discover family-friendly attractions.
APPLY FOR INVITATION TODAY
Niagara Ontario (2012): June 19-22
Teams comprised of 2012 birth year players will travel to Niagara, guest coached by Texas Stars AHL Head Coach Toby Peterson. Thunderbirds coach Scotty Bagwin will join the staff.
Tournament Details:
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5 Game Guarantee, plus playoffs
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3 - 15 min periods
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Elite North American Teams (from each NA Region)
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Elite European Teams
APPLY FOR INVITATION TODAY
