Reflecting on an Unforgettable European Hockey Summer and Exciting 2025 Destinations
As the summer of 2024 draws to a close, we look back on an incredible series of European Experiences that took our teams across the continent, blending intense competition with rich cultural exploration. From the Nordic landscapes of Finland to the historic lakes of Slovenia, our players and their families created lasting memories, both on and off the ice. As we reflect on these unforgettable trips, we are also thrilled to announce our 2025 destinations, promising even more adventures in the coming year.
Our journey began with the Finland Lions Cup, where the CCM Selects 2010 and 2011 teams embarked on an exhilarating tour through Scandinavia. Starting in Stockholm, Sweden, the teams explored the city’s cultural landmarks, including the Vasa Warship Museum, before setting sail on the Silja Line Cruise to Helsinki, Finland. In Helsinki, the competition was fierce, but there was also time for relaxation and exploration, from a visit to Suomenlinna Fortress Island to a rejuvenating sauna experience at the Allas Sea Pool.
One parent from the 2011 CCM Selects team shared their experience: “Very well organized from start to finish. Excellent excursions offered as well as just enough free time. Our guide, Mikke Myrra, was the best guide I have ever had, and I have done many of these tours (we have four ice hockey players). Our family will absolutely sign up for another tournament with your company BECAUSE of Mikke and how flawlessly he ran the tour. I cannot say enough about what a difference he made for the experience. Thank you for keeping him on staff!”
Next, our teams traveled to Bled, Slovenia, for the CCM World Invite Bled AAA. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Julian Alps, the AAA tournament was a perfect blend of competitive hockey and cultural exploration. Players competed in friendly exhibition games before diving into tournament play, with excursions to the Lake Bled Church via a Pletna boat ride, the Bled Castle, and a Ljublana city tour enhancing the overall cultural experience.
Ethan and Edmond Warchick, attendees of the CCM World Invite Bled, reflected on their time: “Ethan and I had one of the most wonderful trips that we can think of in recent memory playing hockey. All of the families were extremely welcoming and caring to one another. All of the players gave it their all every minute out on the ice. Regardless of what the final outcome was, you left it all on the ice, and that’s all every parent could ask for from their player.”
Returning to Bled, our teams competed in the CCM World Invite Bled AA, following a similar format to the AAA tournament. The AA teams enjoyed the same breathtaking scenery and competitive atmosphere, with additional activities and excursions rounding out a week of hockey and cultural immersion.
Jeff Wetzel, reflecting on his family’s experience in Bled, said: “Coaches, CCM, and 200×85, thank you for making this opportunity to join this team available to Ryan and for guiding the kids to the championship game and ultimately a hard-fought 2nd place. Parents and Players, thank you for making Ryan and our family feel so welcome and part of this amazing group and for helping create friendships and core memories that will last a lifetime. Nejc, thank you for the hospitality and bringing everyone together. Now the hardest part… listening to Ryan say, ‘Dad, I can’t wait to play with my friends again. When will we see them?’ and, of course, the long wait. See everyone next spring for round two!”
As we look back on these incredible experiences, we are excited to announce our 2025 European destinations. Next year, 200×85 will be taking teams to Sweden/Finland (Finland Lions Cup), Bled, Slovenia (CCM World Invite – Bled), Prague (Czech Lions Cup), and, for the first time, the United Kingdom. Applications for these new events are now open, and we can’t wait to see where our next European adventure will take us.