Photo by Michael Caples
While at least some of the teams may have squeezed in some games already, the official ‘start of season’ event for Michigan’s Tier 1 hockey programs kicks off on Sept. 8 in Troy.
The fourth edition of the MAHA Tier 1 Showcase brings together all of the 14U, 15O, 16U and 18U Tier 1 teams in Michigan for three days of games at Buffalo Wild Wings Arena.
It is a jam-packed weekend of elite hockey, serving as a great opportunity for scouts and fans alike to familiarize themselves with this year’s AAA circuit from Sept. 8-10.
“The Showcase is a great kickoff event for all of the Tier I organizations in Michigan,” said Mike Slobodnik, Hockey Director at Fox Motors Hockey Club, via the MAHA official website. “For the players, the opportunity to compete against peers from across the state is always exciting. It’s also a chance for college, junior and professional scouts to get an early look at our teams and players. For coaches and administrators, we’re proud to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to all of our participants.”
The eight Tier 1 organizations – Belle Tire, Biggby Coffee, Compuware, Fox Motors, HoneyBaked, Little Caesars, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies and Victory Honda – will all have four teams in attendance, while the Soo Indians 18U team will be competing, as well.
Take Your Shot Photography will be at the Tier 1 Showcase for action photo services for the players, teams and families
To balance out the 18U field, MAHA invites an out-of-state team each showcase; this time around, Chicago Mission will make the drive to Troy to compete against Victory Honda (Friday), Little Caesars (Saturday) and the Soo Indians (Sunday).
The MAHA Tier 1 Showcase started in 2019 with the intention of bringing all of the AAA teams under one roof to start the season with a bang. While they were forced to cancel the event in 2020, it is now back to being an annual event, as the 2023 edition marks its third consecutive year.
Last year, it expanded to two weekends, as the September edition of the showcase was joined by a December Tier 1 Showcase. This year, the December edition will take place on Dec. 8-10, once again at Buffalo Wild Wings Arena (formerly the Troy Sports Center).
“The MAHA Tier I Showcase is a highly competitive weekend of hockey,” explains Jason Reynolds, MAHA Director of Operations and Marketing. “There’s a great deal of pride taken in being able to highlight some of our top hockey talent in Michigan. We know there will be eyes on these games, whether in-rink or streaming online, and the early-season exposure may lead some of these elite players to opportunities in the future.”
See the full schedule for the 2023 September Tier 1 Showcase below.
