If you're not familiar with youth hockey, the phrase "Silver Stick" may not mean much.  But for the tens of thousands of players, coaches, and families who participate in the sport, it's a big deal... a really BIG deal!

The brainchild of Jack Kinsella, a four-sport athlete for Glebe Collegiate in Ottowa, the first Silver Stick tournament held in 1958 was a home and home series between bantam and peewee teams from Potsdam, NY and Carleton, Ontario.  The teams from Potsdam won the inaugural series 5 points to 3, but more important was the start of the tradition designed to promote "Citizenship and International Goodwill Through Hockey."

Yet over the next half-century, the Silver Stick International tournament series has evolved from its humble beginnings to become the largest minor hockey tournament in North America (if not the world).  It hosts over 65,000 players and coaches annually, and is the only minor hockey association to have its own display in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Each year, Silver Stick International hosts 44 qualifying tournaments across the US and Canada.  Winners are awarded entry to one of the nine Finals tournaments based on age and level of competition.  Any remaining spots are filled through invitation by the Silver Stick International Association.

Competing in Silver Stick is much like the youth version of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and three Indiana teams have been awarded this prestigious opportunity.  The South Indy Sharks (peewee) and the Bloomington Blades (bantam) will compete in the Pelham, Ontario Finals in the  AE division.  The Tri-State Spartans will send a squad to Port Huron, MI as a member of the AAA division.

Each year, after all the Silver Stick Finals Tournaments are completed, a plaque is placed in the Hall of Fame display case listing the team names of all the Champions for that year.  For many, this is as close to sports immortality as they may ever get.  But the beauty of this tournament reaches far beyond the prestige.

While teachers may fret about missed time in the classroom, travel hockey is as much about education as it is about sport.  Our journeys have shown our children more about geography, history, and culture that they would ever get sitting at a desk.  Looking at a map might show the relative size of the Great Lakes, but standing on their shores is the only way to grasp their immense size.  A YouTube video of Niagara Falls can in no way compare to feeling their thunderous roar resonating through your chest.  And you'll never understand how delicious Poutine is until you've tasted it ... trust me on this one.

The Silver Stick finals isn't just a tournament.  It is the Olympics of youth hockey.  An experience of a lifetime that only a select few will ever receive.  From the fanfare of the Opening Ceremonies, to the tradition of pin trading with other players, to the raw emotions that accompany victory and defeat.   This is not just a tournament.  This is an event that will shape their world forever.

Prestigious tournaments are nothing new to the Tri-State Spartans.  As a Triple A program, they are used to playing high-level competition.  But winning the Silver Stick would be a 'feather' even in their cap.  After all, no other tournament has their champions enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Bloomington Blades bantam team is fortunate enough to be headed back to Canada for the second year in a row.  Early in the season, a return trip seemed out of the question.  "I felt like there would be a huge drop off from last season as our top goalie and top players at forward and defense moved into our high school program," Blades Head Coach Paul Prather stated.  But the lure of Silver Stick can sometimes work magic. "We've had some younger guys step into those roles and (they) far exceeded my expectations.  This team really likes to compete and that makes them a fun bunch to coach."

Having been there before, Prather and his team understand and appreciate the honor that comes with participating in Silver Stick.  Yet as the old saying goes, nothing compares to your first time.

Unlike the Blades, the South Indy Sharks are headed into uncharted waters.   Their 12U team came up a bit short in the regional finals, but was invited by the committee to fill a vacancy based on their play in the regional tournament.  Their commitment to the Silver Stick values is what stood out in the minds of the committee.  "We work hard to make sure our principles are displayed through behavior and actions," said team manager Wendy Pottgen.  "Our players are very excited to represent Indiana hockey on the international stage."

Kids always get excited about their hockey games, and even more so when it comes to tournaments.  But this one is different.  The locker room before and after practice is alive with energy.  They are well aware of how special this tournament is.  It is as much about the environment as it is about the hockey.

Sharks defenseman Jacob Evans summed up the feelings of his teammates rather easily.  "Traveling out of the country, seeing Canada and Niagara Falls, and playing other good teams that we don't usually get to play... not many kids get to do this kind of stuff.  We're really lucky!"

These kids are indeed fortunate, although luck has little to do with it.  All of these teams have earned the opportunity to participate in this incredible event; a 'once-in-a-lifetime' reward for countless hours of hard work and commitment to their sport.  These values will serve them well as they travel life's path.  And they'll have some amazing memories to pack along with them.

For more information on the Silver Stick International tournament series, click here.

Note:  As hockey is an expensive sport to participate in, the South Indy Sharks work tirelessly to keep costs affordable for their families.  In this light, they have established a GoFundMe page to help offset the expense of the tournament.  To learn more about these incredible kids, and perhaps make a donation, click here.