Wrapping up the 2023 Notre Dame Events
Four CCM Shootout Weekends and the Irish Leprechaun cap off the 2023 Notre Dame Events
The CCM Shootout sets itself apart from other 200×85 events through its unique format. What distinguishes this event is its extension across multiple weekends, where each age group competes exclusively on a designated weekend. This not only shines a spotlight on every age group but also provides them with a more personalized and intimate experience at the University of Notre Dame’s campus and its stunning Compton Family Ice Arena.
There are four remaining divisions yet to compete: the 2010 Division (January 7-7, 2023), 15U Division (January 19-21, 2024), 2013 Division (January 26-28, 2024), and the 2014 Division (February 2-4, 2024). Up to this point, the 2009, 16U Tier II, 2011, and 2012 divisions have already concluded. Alongside the CCM Shootout, Notre Dame also hosted The Irish Leprechaun Tournament, bringing a total of 72 teams to South Bend for 181 games across these five events.
In contrast to the Irish Leprechaun Tournament, the CCM Shootout deviates from a playoff-style format that determines a champion. Instead, it adopts a five-game showcase style over the weekend, featuring elite teams. Notably, the Lake County Vipers (16U Tier II Division) and Chatham Kent Cyclones (2012 Division) stood out as the only two teams to maintain undefeated records in regulation. The standings for each division can be found below.
Irish Leprechaun Tournament
Mite Supertacks
Champion: International Stars
Howies Hockey MVP: Chase Elsey, #91
Following a 4-2 defeat to Jr. Team Illinois in pool play, the International Stars faced them again in the semi-final. However, the Stars turned the tables, blanking Jr. Team Illinois and earning a spot in the final against the unbeaten HC of STL – FOX. Despite an abundance of goals, the game remained closely contested. Ultimately, it concluded in a 5-5 draw, leading to a shootout to determine the champion. The Stars emerged victorious in the shootout, securing their banner.
Mite Jetspeed
Champion: Jr. Trevians
Howies Hockey MVP: Henry McElveney, #23
On Sunday, three of the final four teams were undefeated: the Detroit Victory, Jr. Sabres, and Jr. Trevians, all aiming to preserve their flawless records. The Jr. Trevians achieved this with a 5-2 triumph over HC of STL. In the other semi-final, a high-scoring affair unfolded, leading to the Jr. Sabres prevailed 7-6 and sent the Victory home. The championship showcased a showdown between two Illinois-based teams, the Jr. Sabres and Jr. Trevians. The Jr. Trevians dominated the scoreboard, scoring nine goals compared to the Jr. Sabres’ three, securing their banner and concluding a weekend of undisputed and undefeated success.
Mite Ribcor
Champion: Nashville Mavericks
Howies Hockey MVP: Quentin Reaves, #74
The championship featured a rematch between HC of STL and the Nashville Mavericks. Despite HC of STL’s strong start with consecutive shutouts over the weekend, the Mavericks had previously defeated them 5-4 in pool play. However, with the title at stake and a new day ahead, the championship unfolded as another closely contested one-goal game. This time, the Nashville Mavericks emerged victorious with a 4-3 score, securing their undisputed, undefeated weekend and departing Notre Dame with their well-deserved banner.
CCM Shootout
Boys 2009 Division
September 8-10, 2023
Emerging as leaders by the weekend’s close, the Chicago Fury fell just short of a perfect weekend due to a 2-2 tie with the SHAHA Panthers. The Pittsburgh Vengeance showcased an electric offense, while the Pittsburgh Predators displayed solid defensive skills, contributing to both teams boasting impressive 4-1-0 records.
Boys 16U Tier II Division
November 24-26, 2023
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the 16U Tier II event welcomed teams from outside the continental U.S. Two teams, the Lake County Vipers and West Dundee Leafs, remained undefeated entering the final game. The Vipers secured their first shutout of the weekend with a 5-0 victory over the Leafs, capping off a flawless weekend.
Boys 2011 Division
December 8-10, 2023
With a turnout of 20 teams, the 2011 Division marked the largest CCM Shootout of the fall 2023 season. Four teams ended with eight points, including three Ontario-based teams – the Soo Jr. Greyhounds, Lambton Jr. Sting, and the Toronto Reps – all finishing 4-1-0. Carshield AAA, the remaining eight-point team, maintained an undefeated record with a 3-0-2 score, securing wins over the Amherst Knights and the Ohio Prospects. Notably, Carshield AAA clinched victory against the Soo Jr. Greyhounds with a 2-1 score in the weekend’s final game.
Boys 2012 Division
December 15-17, 2023
The 16-team 2012 Division concluded last weekend with a single undefeated squad. The Chatham Kent Cyclones from Ontario boasted a perfect 5-0-0 record, including two shutout victories – 5-0 against the Dallas Stars Elite and 1-0 against the Windy City Storm. Notably, the Dallas Stars Elite’s sole loss of the weekend came from this encounter, leaving them with a 4-1-0 record, alongside the Brantford 99ers and Indiana Elite.
With the completion of the 2012 Division, we’ve reached the midpoint of Notre Dame events and the season overall. As we look forward to our 2024 events, limited spots are still available in certain divisions. For a comprehensive overview of the 2023-24 season lineup, please click here.
