Tourney is short on Americans, long on talent

First things first, let’s deal with the misnomer created by the COVID-19 pandemic — there will be no American teams at the 13th edition of the USA-Canada Cup showcase hockey tournament.

There will, however, be an abundance of talent when 78 teams from as far away as British Columbia begin play Friday morning at arenas in Kitchener and Waterloo. The event, for female teams at the U15, U18 and U22 levels, is hosted by the Waterloo Girls Minor Hockey Association and features the Ravens U15 and U18 teams, as well as the Waterloo K-W Rangers of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League. Teams from Kitchener and Cambridge will also play at the U15 and U18 levels, and the Cambridge Rivulettes will play in the U22 event.

“It’s truly a USA-Canada Cup when there’s no COVID going on but this year, because of travel restrictions, we had to adjust,” said WGMHA event organizer Kevin Weppler, noting 20 to 24 American teams would participate in a normal year.

“We play at two rinks in Waterloo, two rinks in Kitchener, we don’t charge admission and anybody is welcome to come and watch. It’s excellent, excellent hockey.”

Approximately 1,500 players will participate in the tournament, said Weppler, and it is estimated it will provide the local economy with an economic boost of more than $1.5 million. This year’s field includes entries from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario teams from as far away as Ottawa and Windsor. The tourney is usually fully booked by February, but this year organizers had to wait until July for approval to proceed.

Games will be played at RIM Park and Albert McCormick in Waterloo, as well as Sportsworld and the Aud in Kitchener. Three games will also be contested at Activa Sportsplex on Friday morning. Each team is guaranteed five games in three days, two each on Friday and Saturday, and one on Sunday.

The purpose of a showcase tournament, of course, is to put on a show for talent evaluators and nothing has changed in that regard. Weppler expects between 80 and 90 scouts will be in attendance, representing NCAA and U Sports schools, as well as Hockey Canada and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association.

“By bringing elite teams together, it becomes the perfect venue for scouting,” he said.

Tournament schedules are available at www.waterlooravens.com.