A Message of Support & Remembrance at the CCM World Invite

CCM World Invite Opening Night Games to Feature Rocky & Shoulder Check Helmet Stickers

The 2023 CCM World Invite Opening Night presented by DuPage Sports Commission is nearly upon us. The Opening Night has built a reputation for being Youth Hockey’s biggest celebration, and this year will be no exception. From the Coach & Manager Reception to Howie’s Hockeyville there will be electricity in Seven Bridges Arena on November 2nd. All the excitement is centered around the Opening Night Feature Games, proudly presented by Stick Grip and Oberto. 

This year there will be a new aspect to the Opening Night Feature Games involving a supportive cause and a show of remembrance. Players competing in the Feature Games will wear two helmet stickers, a Shoulder Check and a Rocky sticker. Both serve different meanings, but each brings an important message to spread on a massive stage.

Shoulder Check

The #HT40 Foundation, in honor of Hayden Thorsen, launched Shoulder Check. Shoulder Check is an initiative to make kindness a contact sport. The initiative does this by highlighting how easy it is to be there for each other, because you never know when someone might need a hand. Players wearing these stickers will be asked to make a commitment to reach out, check-in, and make contact, and we ask that all attendees share in helping share the commitment. Learn more about Shoulder Check.

Rocky

Players in the Opening Night Featured Games will don a “Rocky” helmet sticker in honor of the Chicago Blackhawks late owner and CEO, Rocky Wirtz. Wirtz passed away in July after the Blackhawks reached five Conference Finals and won three Stanley Cups under his tenure. The helmet sticker features “Rocky” in the center of the circle, a design also worn on Blackhawks jerseys this season. Taking over the team in 2007, Wirtz was dedicated to his family, his team, and his city. The three-time Stanley Cup Champion owner has left a significant mark on the world of hockey, not only in Illinois but also beyond its borders. In his honor, we are excited to have his son and Blackhawks CEO, Danny Wirtz, in attendance for an opening puck drop and Jim Cornelison, Blackhawks Anthem Singer, in the building to kick off the game with the national anthem.

The 2023 CCM World Invite Opening Night presented by DuPage Sports Commission will take place November 2nd from 4:00 – 10:00 pm at Seven Bridges Ice Arena and will set the stage for 526 teams to compete in the 20th anniversary of the CCM World Invite. Follow along throughout the event by checking the schedule and scores or tuning in on LiveBarn to an action packed weekend of youth hockey.