Kalamazoo is set to welcome the USA Hockey 14U Tier II National Championship Tournament from April 2-6, 2025, at Wings Event Center and Wings West Ice Arena. The prestigious tournament will bring 44 teams from across the country—approximately 800 participants—competing for a national title.

The tournament is hosted by the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA), an organization with deep roots in developing youth hockey in the region. “We are extremely honored to host a USA Hockey National Championship once again here in Kalamazoo,” says Matt Kakabeeke, KOHA’s Executive Director. “It is an incredible way for our local players—many of whom grew up learning to skate and play with KOHA—to cap off their Tier II hockey journey.”

KOHA kicks off their Nationals journey on Wednesday with a matchup against the Clearwater Ice Storm (FL), led by Luke Bafia—a Western Michigan University Bronco Hockey alumnus and former KOHA coach. “Returning to Kalamazoo brings back some of my greatest hockey memories with the Broncos,” said Bafia. “It’s going to be special for my team from Clearwater, Florida, to open the tournament against players I once coached as part of the KOHA staff and family.”

Tournament Timeline:

  • Round Robin Divisional Play: April 2-4

  • Quarter & Semi-Finals: April 5

  • Championship Games: April 6 at Wings West

KOHA’s 14U AA K-Wings Schedule:

  • Wednesday, April 2 – 5:15 PM | Wings Event Center

  • Thursday, April 3 – 1:15 PM | Wings West

  • Friday, April 4 – 11:15 AM | Wings Event Center

This national tournament comes on the heels of KOHA welcoming the Irish National 17U Hockey Team during the Green Ice Classic in mid-March, showcasing Kalamazoo’s passion for hockey at an international level. Organizers are eager to welcome teams and visitors from across the U.S. for another premier event.

Greenleaf Hospitality Group and Discover Kalamazoo Sports are proud partners of KOHA and the upcoming tournament. “Kalamazoo has proven time and again that we’re a top-tier destination for national youth sports events,” says Brian Persky, Director of Sports Event Development for Discover Kalamazoo Sports. “From our world-class facilities to the hospitality of our community, we’re excited to showcase all that Kalamazoo has to offer to players, families, and fans alike.”

For Wings West, hosting the tournament is a point of pride. “This event is not only a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to compete at the highest level, but it also reinforces Kalamazoo’s reputation as a hockey town,” says Chris Wang, General Manager of Wings West & Ice Events for Greenleaf Hospitality Group. “We’re thrilled to be part of an event that brings so much energy to our community and local businesses.”

View the full schedule for USA Hockey Nationals in Kalamazoo here.