Upper Midwest High School Elite League

Elite Swedish team coming to Minnesota

 

The Malmo Redhawks, a junior hockey club that competes in the Swedish Elite League’s 18-and-under first division, has accepted an invitation to play in the 2007 Nike Bauer National Invitational Tournament, Nov. 2-4, at New Hope Ice Arena. It is the first time in the event’s six-year history that a European team of this stature will compete against the best teen hockey prospects in Minnesota and other parts of the country.

In an effort to minimize travel costs for the visiting team from Sweden, tournament organizers sought the help of families in the suburbs of Minneapolis to host individual players in their homes. In a matter of a few weeks, more than 20 families committed to hosting a Swedish player.

“We’re delighted that so many families have opened up their homes to these fine young athletes,” said John Russo, the Director of the Nike Bauer National Tournament and the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. “It once again shows that Minnesota is indeed the State of Hockey.”

The Malmo team arrives in the Twin Cities on Wed., Oct. 31, and departs a week later. Host families will provide food, shelter, transportation and serve as surrogate families for a total of 22 players. Medina resident Paula Gamer took on the responsibilities of coordinating and recruiting the host families. “Many of the host families have children involved in hockey,” said Gamer. “There is great enthusiasm for exposing their families to players from another hockey culture.”

The talented Swedish team will face tough competition at the Nike Bauer tournament which will feature the defending champions from Shattuck St. Mary’s, the reigning USA Hockey National Champions, two squads made up of Minnesota’s top prep players selected from the Elite League, Team Wisconsin, Team Michigan, the Dallas Jr. Stars and Team Illinois. The event annually attracts dozens of talent scouts representing professional, college and junior hockey teams in North America.

“To be able to play against North American opponents that are regarded as the best in the world is an inspiration for our team,” said Malmo General Manager Roger Ohman.