The Biggest CCM World Invite Yet

Celebrating 20 Years of Youth Hockey’s Biggest Event

The CCM World Invite returns to Chicago in November for the largest hockey tournament in the world – and no, that’s not an exaggeration. Featuring over 500 teams, 10,000 athletes, and 1,250 games, the 20th anniversary of the CCM World Invite – Chicago will be the biggest year yet.

Our first World Invite in 2003 was much smaller, there were only a few select programs invited to compete in Chicago. Through the years the event grew, but there was never a shortage of talent on the ice. Jacob Trouba, Tyler Seguin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Tyler Toffoli, Vincent Trocheck, Max Domi, and several more future NHLers competed in the World Invite, setting the standard for our events to come.

The talent in this year’s event is sure to be as elite as always, but where this year’s event stands out most is the off-ice celebration. The CCM World Invite’s Opening Ceremonies have built a reputation, and this year’s opening night will be no different. The opening night has two main components, the feature games and the reception.

The Opening Night Feature Games include some of the top teams in this year’s event from USA, Canada, and Czech Republic. There will be a packed crowd in the stands to set the stage for these elite teams. Check out this year’s feature game schedule.

While the teams compete in the feature games on the ice, the Opening Night Reception presented by the DuPage Sports Commission will be underway in Seven Bridges. Starting at 3 p.m., the reception will include the world famous Coach & Manager Reception presented by Live Barn, Hockey Hall of Fame Display presented by Absopure, Howies Hockeyville, CCM Stick Demos, celebrity appearances, live music and more.

Coach & Manager Reception presented by Live Barn

The Coach & Manager Reception presented by Live Barn is an excellent opportunity for team staff to relax and enjoy great food, an open bar, and connect with some of our VIP guests. The event runs from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m., so whether you are looking to network and connect with other programs or relax before your team’s games get going, the reception has a little bit of everything.

Hockey Hall of Fame Display presented by Absopure

Get an up close look at hockey’s most prestigious hardware. The Hockey Hall of Fame Display presented by Absopure will feature the Art Ross, Vezina, Calder and many more trophies for you to see up close and snap some pictures. In addition to the Hockey Hall of Fame Trophies, we are excited to add the new Evolution of the Goalie Mask display to opening night. Check out some of the earliest masks that goaltenders wore and see the changes through time that have brought us to what goalies wear today. These displays will be on-site at Seven Bridges Arena from 3 – 8 p.m.

Howies Hockeyville

One of the most memorable parts of opening night for many of the players is Howies Hockeyville. The upstairs turf at Seven Bridges Arena, Howies Hockeyville will have skill challenges, interactive games, bubble hockey, and more. In addition to all the activities, there will be a vendor section with a wide variety of booths that are certain to have something that will interest you. 

CCM Stick Demos

Put your stickhandling skills to the test and see if you are the GOAT. Test out the all new AS6 stick while playing CCM’s exclusive GOAT game at their booth. 

Sounds like a blast, right? But don’t take our word for it, click here to see it through the eyes of Olly & Jacob from On The Bench. When they weren’t snapping pics, shaking hands, and kissing babies, they were saucing pucks and chopping it up with the fans.

The opening ceremonies may end Thursday night, but the party continues throughout the weekend as the games are underway. We are looking forward to another incredible chapter in the history of the CCM World Invite. If you are not already attending, you may be in luck. There are still open spots in select divisions, register your team today to join us in Chicago.