Recapping the 10th Anniversary of CCM 68: A Weekend of Hockey Excellence

Making memories and impressions at CCM 68

The 10th anniversary of CCM 68, a prestigious hockey event that brings together 2009 birth year talents from across North America, was a resounding success. From August 10 to 13, the top 68 boys and girls from both Canada and the United States joined 200×85 in Chicago to show what they are made of. 

Opening Night: Welcoming Legends and Rising Stars

The festivities commenced with Media Night at the Renaissance Hotel on Thursday. Media Night started with the CCM 68 Girls. The event was a vibrant tapestry of stories and inspiration, headlined by the esteemed Caroline Ouellette. A true icon of Canadian women’s hockey, Ouellette graced the stage with her accomplishments echoing her journey. She narrated her remarkable story of her challenges of playing hockey as a young girl, Olympic triumphs, gold medals, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Ouellette’s unwavering dedication resonated with the young players, underlining the path they could carve for themselves.

After recceiving all their CCM gear and taking team and individual photos, the girls began to clear out as the CCM 68 boys began to arrive. Dale Williams, the Global Sports Marketing Manager at CCM Hockey, welcomed Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks as the surprise guest speaker for the CCM 68 Boys Media Night. As Jones completed his Q&A, the boys were released to gather their new CCM gear to take their photos and start setting their minds towards to rest of the weekend.

Practice & Testing: Nurturing Skills and Determination

The subsequent days were a whirlwind of action-packed practices and rigorous testing sessions. Friday and Saturday mornings were dedicated to skill-building under the guidance of seasoned coaches. The participation of notable figures like Derek Lalonde (Detroit Redwings – Head Coach), Seth Appert (Rochester Americans – Head Coach), Bob Nardella (Chicago Wolves – Head Coach), Greg Rallo (Milwaukee Admirals Assistant Coach), Taylor Wasylk (Lindenwood College – Head Coach), Chris Ardito (Union College – Assistant Coach), Jennifer Wilson (Lake Forest College Head Coach), and Hayley Williams (CCM Selects Girls Director, Professional Player for Dynamo-Neva St. Petersburg) added an extra layer of excitement. Players engaged in high-intensity drills that not only honed their skills but also fostered team chemistry, setting the stage for the forthcoming games.

Testing took center stage, both on and off the ice, under the watchful eye of Neutral Zone. SportTesting tools facilitated on-ice assessments, encompassing various tests such as forward and backward sprints, weave agility, and transition agility, all with and without the puck. Off the ice, players underwent assessments of their sprinting ability, grip strength, and counter movement jumps. These evaluations provided valuable insights into the athletes’ physical capabilities, highlighting areas for growth. Testing results are posted on the CCM 68 Boys and CCM 68 Girls pages.

CCM’s presence during this phase was instrumental, as players were exposed to cutting-edge hockey gear and products. Players had the opportunity to hit the ice and test CCM’s top of the line products, some that have not even been released yet. The innovative offerings from CCM served as a testament to the brand’s commitment to advancing the sport and catering to the evolving needs of players.

Games: A Showcase of Talent and Teamwork

The culmination of the weekend saw the players donning their newly acquired CCM 68 jerseys, gloves and sticks for a series of exhilarating games. The friendly yet fiercely competitive atmosphere resonated throughout the venue, as players represented either the American or Canadian teams. Eight boys and eight girls teams competed against their counterparts from the opposing country, each team engaging in three games over the course of the weekend. Below are all results of every match.

2023 CCM 68 Boys Game Results

2023 CCM 68 Girls Game Results

The games displayed a captivating blend of skills, strategy, and passion. The matchups featured intense battles, spectacular goals, and remarkable displays of sportsmanship. The results of the games underscored the parity and talent on both sides, demonstrating the promising future of hockey on the continent. Player stats are available on the CCM 68 Boys and CCM 68 Girls pages.

Celebrating Standout Performances

Amidst the games, a few standout players were recognized for their exceptional performances. These young athletes embodied the spirit of CCM 68, showcasing a mix of skill, determination, and potential that bodes well for their future careers. 

Landon Dupont – Canada Boys

Rocco Pelosia – USA Boys

Taylor Hall – USA Girls

In conclusion, the 10th anniversary of CCM 68 was an event that encapsulated the essence of hockey. From the inspirational stories of legends to the rigorous training sessions and exhilarating games, the weekend was a celebration of the sport’s past, present, and future. As the players departed with newfound experiences, skills, and connections, the legacy of CCM 68 continues to shape the landscape of North American hockey for years to come.

If you are a 2010 birth year and are interested in attending the 2024 CCM 68, our scouts will be watching games all season in-person and on video. Make sure you join our scouting list to ensure our scouts keep an eye out for you. To see a list of all the 2023-24 events our scouts will be at looking for future CCM 68 players, click here.