Photo by Eric Fournier Photography

TC Challenge brings together high school, 19U teams for weekend tournament

By @MichaelCaples –

There was a unique hockey event in Traverse City last month, as Centre Ice Arena played host to both girls’ high school and travel teams.

With the TC Challenge, it was high school vs. travel in a weekend showcase to bring together a substantial group of girls hockey players.

“The Traverse City Challenge, Michigan’s premier girls’ hockey showcase, was held at Centre Ice Arena,” said Steve Dzierwa in a release. “These games provide a venue for teams across the State of Michigan to compete against squads they would not typically meet. The TC Challenge promotes quality hockey, good sportsmanship and player development. This year’s event matched teams from the Michigan Metro Girls High School Hockey League (MMGHSHL) against the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA).”

Participating teams:

MMGHSHL: Mercy High School, Regina High School, Ladywood High School, Walled Lake High School, Grosse Pointe High School, Detroit Country Day High School

MAHA: Traverse City (GTHA), Alpena (AHA), Marquette (MJRHA), Midland (MAHA), Grand Rapids (GRAHA), Petoskey (PAHA)

The event provided an opportunity for the girls to be scouted by colleges and universities who were in attendance. The girls were also exposed to a college hockey game during the weekend; the Northern Michigan Wildcats D2 team took on the Aquinas Saints D1 team in ACHA hockey action.

“It was a great time going up to Traverse City for the TC Challenge,” said Maria Rotondo, head coach of Ladywood. “It was a bonding trip for our players and a fun weekend for everybody.”

Here are the results: