Southern Series Tournament
The 8U Southern Hockey Series is designed to create a fun, safe, and development-focused environment where young players can build skills and a life long love for the game. At this age, enjoyment is the most important factor for long-term growth and retention.
The Series emphasizes:
4v4 Half-Ice Games – using hard boards (across red line), 8U nets, and 8U pucks.
No scorekeeping or stats – focus remains on learning, growth, and fun.
Positive culture – referees, coaches, managers, and parents model fair play and sportsmanship.
Player-first development – maximizing ice time, puck touches, cost and opportunities for growth.
Club-based participation – all 8U players will be rostered from established club organizations with official T1 approved USA hockey rosters
Why Forming an 8U Series Matters
A standardized 8U Series is critical for the long-term growth of hockey in the Southern region. Instead of each club “doing their own thing,” the series provides consistency, structure, and alignment with USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM).
Standardized environment – half-ice, small nets, blue pucks, age-appropriate play.
Early family connection – families are introduced to clubs earlier, strengthening future program depth and growth.
Balanced approach – structured yet family-friendly, avoiding overwhelming schedules.
Preventing burnout – limited events with time for other activities.
Discouraging full-ice play at 8U – smaller-ice maximizes touches, speed, and skill development.
Cost-effective – standardized fees reduce the need for multiple tournament entries.
Organized schedule – predictable event calendar helps clubs set fees and plan travel.
Flexible – jamborees are scheduled on non-holiday weekends to avoid conflicts.
Hosting opportunities – rinks and clubs may apply to host jamborees, benefiting local communities.
This structure supports player growth, organizational stability, and region wide success.
Event Dates & Locations
September Series Event
Sept 19-20 or Sept 26-27
Location: TBD
October Series Event
Oct 17-18 or Oct 24-25
Location: TBD
November Series Event
Nov 14-15 or Nov 21-22
Location: TBD
Team Fees
The 8U Southern Hockey Series is built to provide fun, competitive, and development-based hockey experiences across the Southern region. Teams can join one, two, or all three events in the series — with added value and savings for full-series participation.
Single Event: $699 total co st $699 +tax
Two Events: $699 per event total $1,398 +tax
All Three Events (Full Series) $1,799 total $1,799+tax
Best Value: Commit to the full series and save nearly $300 compared to registering for individual events. Teams committing to all 3 events will receive Recognition as a Full-Series Team across Southern Hockey Series promotions.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Each event includes 6+ hours of ice, cross-ice games, and fun development opportunities.
Registration opens soon, spots are limited!
How to Host a Jamboree
Why Forming an 8U Series Matters
The 8U Southern Hockey Series is excited to invite rinks and associations to apply to host an official 8U Southern Series Jamboree. Please review the following requirements and expectations before submitting your bid.
Hosting Requirements
To host a sanctioned 8U Southern Series Jamboree, facilities must meet the following minimum requirements:
Ice Time & Scheduling
Total Ice: 6 hours over 2 days
Saturday: 4 hours (with 1–2 hours between ice slots)
Sunday: 2 hours (morning session)
Ice times should between 11am-7pm on Saturday and 9am -11am on Sunday
Event Cost per division is $3000 maximum that includes: ice cost, referees, timekeeper and all equipment and requirements (invoiced to Southern Hockey Series by line item)
Supply COI (certificate of insurance)
Maintain an on-time schedule and smooth transitions between games.
Equipment
Hard half-ice boards (properly installed)
Four 8U nets (36” x 48”)
Blue pucks only
Equipment should be set up 5–10 minutes before game time and removed promptly after.
Officials & Operations
Provide experienced local referees familiar with 8U rules(invoiced to Southern Hockey Series)
Supply a timekeeper (invoiced to Southern Hockey Series)
Ensure score clock can run a 1:30 shift buzzer
Brief all officials and scorekeepers on jamboree format and timing
Locker Rooms
Assign locker rooms in advance
If limited, a maximum of two teams per room
Post assignments clearly at entrances (whiteboard, TV, or printed sheet)
Scheduling & Communication
The Southern Series will supply official schedules and matchup sheets.
Post schedules:
On locker room door
On team benches
In a public space for families
Confirm jersey colors in advance to avoid conflicts.
Staffing
Hosts must provide adequate staff or volunteers for:
Supply one main point person to execute the event
Board setup & breakdown
Scorekeeping
Locker room coordination
Game transitions
Crowd and flow management
Ice cuts and board resets
Success Formula
Strong hosts are well-prepared, organized, and proactive.
The keys to a successful 8U Southern Series Jamboree are:
Reliable equipment and setup
Clear schedules and communication (provided by the 8U Southern Hockey Series)
Smooth transitions and timing
Informed referees and scorekeepers
Friendly, professional organization from start to finish