MIHL announces team list for 2017 Prep Hockey Showcase

By @MichaelCaples –

The Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League has announced the 40 teams selected to participate in the 2017 MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase.

The annual tournament will take place on Thursday, Feb. 2 through Saturday, Feb. 4.

Three teams – Gabriel Richard, St. Ignatius (OH) and Romeo – will be making their first appearance at the MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase. Meanwhile, five teams – Livonia Churchill, Allen Park, Stoney Creek, Forest Hills N/E and Novi – will return after notable absences.

“We knew when we started the Showcase that the teams involved would change every year – new teams would be added, some teams would not be selected every year but may return in later years,” said Scott Lock, chairman of the selection committee. “It is the best way to keep the high level of competition year in and year out.”

Five of the nine state finalists from last year’s MHSAA state playoffs took part in last year’ showcase, and nine of the 12 semifinalists.

Scheduling will be completed in January 2017.

“If we look at where we started and where we are today, the MIHL is very proud of what it has accomplished,” said MIHL President Andy Weidenbach. “All teams, players and coaches of high school hockey in Michigan have benefitted. When it was formed, the mission of the MIHL was to promote quality hockey, strong competition and good sportsmanship. The Showcase is one of the results of that mission. The MIHL would like to thank all of the schools, coaches, players and supporters who have joined with us to make the MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase what it is today.”

Teams slated to participate in 2017: