Top 2010 Talent Shines at the 11th Annual CCM 68

The 11th anniversary of the CCM 68 was a spectacular celebration of young hockey talent, bringing together the best 2010 birth year players from North America and Europe. Held from August 7 to 11 in Chicago, the event showcased the top 68 boys and girls from Canada, the United States, and one European boys’ team, all eager to demonstrate their skills on a grand stage.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

The festivities began with Media Night at the Renaissance Hotel on Wednesday, where the CCM 68 Girls kicked off the event. The evening was filled with inspiring stories, highlighted by Carla MacLeod, a Canadian women’s hockey legend who is the current head coach of the Czech national ice hockey team and PWHL Ottawa in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. MacLeod shared her journey from overcoming challenges as a young girl in hockey to achieving Olympic gold and excelling as both a player and coach. Her words resonated deeply with the young athletes, offering them a glimpse of the future they could carve for themselves. Following MacLeod, Abby Murphy, a standout with the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Team USA, took the stage to share her experiences and answer questions from the eager young players.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Premier Ice Prospects (@premiericeprospects)

Click here to view 2024 CCM 68 Girls Roster

As the girls’ session wrapped up, the boys arrived to a warm welcome from Dale Williams, Global Sports Marketing Manager at CCM Hockey. Williams shared insights from his career, followed by a motivational talk from Eddie Olczyk, Stanley Cup Champion and National Hockey League Broadcaster. Olczyk, who has battled cancer, emphasized the importance of perseverance, both on the ice and in life. The evening concluded with Oliver Moore, a CCM 68 alumnus and 2023 NHL Draft pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, who spoke about his journey and what challenges the boys could expect in their future hockey careers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

Click here to view 2024 CCM 68 Boys Roster

The following days were packed with intense practices, on-ice and off-ice testing sessions, and extremely competitive games! Thursday and Friday mornings were devoted to skill-building under the guidance of experienced coaches, including Derek Lalonde, Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings, and Seth Appert, Head Coach of the Rochester Americans. The players participated in high-intensity drills designed to sharpen their skills and build team chemistry.

Testing, overseen by Neutral Zone, was a key component of the event. On-ice assessments used SportTesting tools to measure skating, agility, and puck-handling skills. Off the ice, players were evaluated on sprinting ability, grip strength, and countermovement jumps. These tests provided valuable insights into each athlete’s physical abilities, helping to identify areas for improvement. The results of these assessments were made available on the CCM 68 Boys and CCM 68 Girls pages. Additionally, players participated in classroom sessions led by The Mental Game Academy and Rock Performance, further enhancing their development.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

The weekend culminated in a series of exciting games, where players donned their new CCM 68 jerseys, gloves, and sticks. The atmosphere was electric as nine boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams competed in three games each, showcasing their skills and teamwork in a friendly yet competitive environment. The games were marked by intense battles, spectacular goals, and displays of sportsmanship, highlighting the incredible talent and potential of these young athletes.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 200×85 (@200×85)

In conclusion, the 11th anniversary of CCM 68 was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of hockey. From the inspirational stories shared by legends to the rigorous training sessions and thrilling games, the event was a true celebration of hockey’s past, present, and future. As the players left with new experiences, skills, and connections, the legacy of CCM 68 continues to shape the future of elite hockey.

For 2011 birth year players interested in attending the 2024 CCM 68, our scouts will be watching games throughout the season, both in-person and on video. Make sure to join our scouting list to stay on our radar. For 2012 birth years, we will be hosting CCM 68 Future ID Camps in the summer of 2025 to identify top performers for the following year’s CCM 68. Applications for 2025 Development Programs open on September 1st.