A New Normal

Set To Deliver A Safe And Fun Environment At CCM World Invite Chicago

For more than a decade, the team at 200×85 has delivered the world’s largest youth hockey tournament on the planet, with more than 500 teams annually at the CCM World Invite Chicago. Much of the excitement around that event begins with the opening-night festivities on the Thursday before each tournament. It’s routinely filled with food and drinks, vendors, gift bags, hockey celebrities and more.

In a post-COVID world though, there’s certainly an understandable hesitancy by the general public to return to crowds of people and large gatherings, such as the World Invite and the opening-night celebration. While some are likely itching to ‘return to normal,’ we sympathize with others that might not share in that excitement, and strive to provide an environment that all hockey players, coaches, parents and fans can enjoy.

From the onset, 200×85 has done its part in providing safe and healthy environments for the hockey community throughout the pandemic. During the last 15 months, the team has adapted and adjusted to continue hosting more than two dozen tournaments and camps. All of these events were conducted in accordance with local and state guidelines, without so much as a single outbreak. 

Now, as restrictions are lifted across the country, businesses reopen, employees return to work and children return to in-person learning, we’re confident that our events are safer than ever. 

The World Invite in Chicago will be just that, helping to restore a sense of normalcy in the hockey community. A constant shuffle of hockey bags in and out of the rink entrance doors. The mom group sharing blankets in the bleachers. A row of dads along the glass. Team dinners. Road trips…

Nothing will ever truly be the same as it was before. Some will feel safer behind a face mask. Some will wash their hands a bit more. Some will avoid handshakes or close contact for a little while longer. All of which is okay. Celebrations like the World Invite will help bridge the gap between what was and what is now for the hockey world.

Thursday’s opening night has been a staple in the youth hockey calendar. One of the only places where opposing coaches from two ends of the continent could share a drink, network and swap stories with others in the sport. More than 30 different vendors from our partner in CCM, tournament apparel, the latest trends in hockey technology, collectibles and interactive video games. Let’s not forget about our featured games either, where top teams in North America are put on the main stage to display their skills for the masses in never-before-seen matchups.

Some of the past attendees for the Thursday opening night celebration have included The Stanley Cup and an exhibit from the Hockey Hall of Fame, to NHL legends Chris Chelios and Jeremy Roenick, celebrities such as the Hanson Brothers, Blues Brothers and the On The Bench Crew; a true celebration of hockey culture.

The world is a different place than it was a year ago, and so too is the World Invite. Enjoy this year’s event however you see fit, and know that our team is always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.

For more from the CCM World Invite Chicago, its opening-night festivities and how you can register, click HERE.