USA Hockey National Championships kick off at Cornerstone Community Center in De Pere

DE PERE (WLUK) — A collection of the most elite youth hockey teams from across the United States have descended on De Pere for a six-day tournament.

Cornerstone Community Center is hosting the USA Hockey National Championships for the Tier I 15 Only and 16U divisions. Action kicked off Tuesday and runs through Sunday. Scouts from NHL and NCAA programs are expected to attend.

USA Hockey National Championships kick off at Cornerstone Community Center in De Pere (WLUK)

“The opportunity to host and bring 32 teams into the Green Bay community. Obviously, we’re here for five or six days, so that’s also a good economic boost. But for us, it’s to showcase the great hockey that’s in this country,” said Stephanie Dutkowski, who serves as the CCC national tournament co-chair. “A lot of these kids will grow into Division I hockey. They could be future [Green Bay] Gamblers coming our way. We’re going to see these names.”

On Tuesday alone, the tournament logged more than 1,000 spectators, Dutkowski said. Admission is free and all are welcome to come watch the games.

Dutkowski said this is the seventh time since 2005 that CCC has hosted the USA Hockey National Championships.

“USA Hockey really likes our community,” she said. “We do a great job running tournaments, and we’re hosting next year. We already know that we’re hosting the Tier I girls next year.”

At Cornerstone, participation in youth hockey and figure skating programs continues to grow. That’s part of the reason why CCC is building a fourth rink. Officials say another sheet of ice will help the facility meet rising demand, expand opportunities for up-and-coming athletes to train and compete and host more tournaments, camps, regional events, school teams and public skating.