Up North and back East, a few days off from school to celebrate Presidents’ Day meant some extra time on the ponds to dial in the perfect dangle.

In Phoenix, with an average high temperature of 74 degrees in February, we have to rely on our 12 sheets of ice to get us through. Thanks to the Arizona Hockey Union’s Presidents’ Day Invitational, there will be plenty of hockey to go around.

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Among the excitement of Barrett-Jackson, the Waste Management Open, and the NCAA Final Four, one of the largest youth hockey tournaments in Phoenix is about get underway.

AHU is proud to present the 16th annual event and with 173 teams registered, it is sure to be another big hit. This tournament comes at a point in the season where teams are playing their best hockey of the year and the kids are excited, ready to have fun and play for that elusive banner. This is a great chance for hockey players and fans of all ages to take in some excellent games and potentially the next big star.

This year’s tournament has 362 games scheduled over four days – Feb. 17-20.

The AHU’s team of tournament volunteers has been working for months on this and will be out all around the Valley to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. With teams from as far away as Alaska traveling to play, this has a great impact on the local economy and a chance for our hockey families to show our visitors that hockey is thriving in the desert.

“We are all excited for a weekend of great fun and excitement and are looking forward to seeing smiling faces as our youth compete in the greatest game on ice,” said AHU president Stacy Shupe.

For more information or to stay tuned to all of the action, visit the dedicated tournament website at www.presidentsdayhockeytournament.com.

— Jason Prentice