NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
LARGE CROWD EXPECTED AT YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT THIS WEEKEND
Third annual Winter Blast brings 38 teams to Jefferson City

Mites in action "Parents vs. Kids" courtesy of Mid-Missouri Tigers Hockey Facebook Page

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, January 13, 2016 - Washington Park Ice Arena will once again host hundreds of spectators this weekend during the third annual Mid-Missouri Tigers Winter Blast Mite Hockey Jamboree. The tournament proved to be a tremendous success in its new format last year which brought around 30 teams and over 1,000 people to Jefferson City. 

This year's tournament will be held over a period of three days thanks to the holiday on Monday which the organization plans to continue. According to Jason Howe, head coach for the 8U Mites team and this year's tournament director, the Winter Blast began with just 15 teams and this year 38 teams from as far as Oklahoma will be participating. More than 300 hotel rooms are booked for the event and you can expect to see teams and their supporters out dining and visiting local businesses during their stay. 

Mites take second place at a tournament played 
earlier this year courtesy of Jason Howe.
"It is thanks to the club, volunteers and the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation that we are able to grow this event," Howe said. "Our youth hockey kids and parents travel to St. Louis almost every weekend during the season, so its a nice feeling knowing we have these teams coming to Jefferson City allowing the community to see these kids in action while bringing income to our city." 

The tournament introduced the Mite division last year, allowing kids ages 4-8 to compete. Howe said it's exciting for these kids to get to play the entire weekend as if it's the "Stanley Cup" finals while meeting new friends in the hockey community and learning teamwork and sportsmanship that will stay with them as they grow. 

The Jamboree begins Saturday, January 16 with a 7:30 am start time. The tournament is expected to last all day Saturday and Sunday and until noon on Monday. The Mizzou Tigers will play a club game at 2:30 pm on Saturday against the Kansas Jayhawks, and the rink will be open for a public session from 1-4 pm on Sunday. 

"I'm thrilled these teams are choosing to host their tournament in Jefferson City," said Chris Wilson, Sports/Film Sales Manager at the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We have some great venues here and thanks to organizations such as Jefferson City Parks and Rec we are able to host these kinds of events which leave a positive impact on our community." 

For questions regarding the tournament please contact Chris Wilson, at (573) 632-2820 or email  chris@visitjeffersoncity.com.
 

About the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (JCCVB) was founded in 1989 to maximize the positive economic impact of visitor dollars to the community by effectively marketing the Jefferson City area as a desirable convention and tourism destination.
 
 
Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau
Katherine Reed
Communications Manager