TORONTO, June 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Summer is here but for 900 young women hockey season is in full swing. Bringing together an elite group of female players and goalies, the Rush Hockey Showcase takes place at the Brampton Powerade Centre.
From June 6 to 9, this tournament is exclusively for girls between 14 and 18 years of age. Hailing from across Canada, the US and Europe, their skills and stamina will be tested as they compete for recognition as Rush Rising Stars.
"The Rush Showcase is uniquely positioned to bring together elite players, coaches and scouts from throughout North America," says Kelly Katorji, Director of Rush Hockey. "Our goal in doing so is to educate players and parents about the opportunities that exist in women's hockey, and of course to have a great time doing it. With four rinks and the level of talent that we are putting in play, the next four days are sure to be full of action on the ice."
Actively involved in evaluating and analyzing the game for 20 years, Kelly is widely regarded as one of the foremost supporters of girls' hockey in North America. This is his third year at the helm of Rush Hockey, the continent's leading specialist for tournaments, camps and showcases.
At this week's event, individual players are assigned to mixed teams and placed with different coaches for each game. This provides great exposure for players with their sights set on being recruited.
"Getting to play with so many different coaches is one of the things that makes Rush cooler than any other tournament," says Meagan Ondrick, 16. Meagan's two younger sisters, Morgan and Madison will also be participating in the Showcase. Their family is travelling to Toronto from Shorewood, Illinois, specifically to play and lend their support from the stands.
"You get a chance to learn what you need to do to perform at college level and more coaches can see you skate," Meagan adds. "This is really important to me because I am starting to think about college and I want to keep playing."
Numerous talent scouts from top tier universities will be on site to track promising athletes. Among them, Jim Rayburn from Wilfrid Laurier will be coming with a shortlist in hand. Having attended Rush events for the past two years, he is continually impressed by the calibre of players in attendance.
"Because of the range of ages, Rush gives us the opportunity to watch and get to know the players and their parents over time. This goes a long way in helping to ensure student athletes select the proper university to achieve their academic and hockey goals," says Jim. "Over the next four days, participants can expect to develop new friendships with their Rush teammates, speak with many college and university coaches and scouts, and most importantly - to have fun."
As players lace up to skate their hearts out, excitement is certainly in the air.
Image with caption: "Finalists at the 2012 Rush Hockey Showcase (CNW Group/Rush Hockey)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130606_C5665_PHOTO_EN_27598.jpg
SOURCE: Rush Hockey
Kelly Katorji
Director
Rush Hockey
(519) 664-1351
[email protected]
Janice Chan
Media relations
Mayk Ideas
(647) 727-3645
[email protected]
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