Watershed Voice Local, News

Kalamazoo to host 2025 USA Hockey 14U Tier II Nationals

The Maine Gladiators completed their undefeated run at the Chipotle-USA Hockey Youth Tier II 14U National Championships in 2022, defeating the Atlanta Fire, 3-1, in the 1A finale in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo: USA Hockey National Championships website)

Will take place at Wings Event Center, Wings West on April 2-April 6, 2025

The City of Kalamazoo has been selected to host the 2025 USA Hockey 14U Tier II National Championships, the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) announced Monday.

“We are extremely honored to have been chosen again to host a USA Hockey National Championship — especially so quickly after hosting in 2022,” Matt Kakabeeke, KOHA’s Executive Director, said. “It will be an amazing opportunity for our club to showcase Kalamazoo and our passion for hockey in the area.”

The event will feature more than 800 participants and 40 teams from across the country competing for the national championship at the Wings Event Center and Wings West on April 2 through April 6, 2025.

Toni Will, Kalamazoo Wings General Manager & Governor, said, “The Kalamazoo Wings are thrilled to learn that KOHA and Kalamazoo will be the host for the USA Hockey 14U Nationals in 2025, (as) 2025 is a special year in Kalamazoo, celebrating 50 years of professional hockey. Hosting this event is another example of why youth hockey is an integral part of the Kalamazoo community.”

The city expects the tournament to generate millions in economic activity for the region.

“Youth sports are so valuable to Kalamazoo County because they help sustain our world-class restaurants and attractions,” President & CEO of Discover Kalamazoo Jane Ghosh said. “In 2022, this tournament generated $1,867,654.92 of economic activity, and we look forward to increasing that impact in 2025.”