TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW
The NHLKIDS Junior Original Six Showcase brings competitive players ages 16–20 to Complexe J.C. Perreault, December 27–30, 2026, for a four-day tournament combining eight guaranteed games, six drafted teams, full professional-style uniforms and professionally produced broadcasts.
You bring the game. We provide the stage.
Players register individually, opening the door to competition beyond their regular league. Following official acceptance, players enter the lottery and virtual draft, where general managers select six Original Six rosters. Evaluations and player rankings support team balance, bringing players from different teams and programs together to compete through regular-season standings, playoffs and a championship.
The presentation is part of what sets NHLKIDS apart. Teams wear coordinated home and away jerseys, helmets, gloves, socks and shells, with custom team mask wraps and PadSkinz for goaltenders. Every game is broadcast and livestreamed, supported by tournament highlights, player interviews, rankings and revised statistics.
The value extends beyond the tournament. Full-game recordings remain available on our streaming platform, giving players footage they can share with coaches, scouts and prospective programs. Alongside tournament statistics and available media coverage, these recordings help players build a hockey portfolio that shows their performance in a competitive setting.
The non-contact format emphasizes pace, skill and execution—four days to face different competition, maintain game rhythm and put your game on record during the holiday break.
To help prevent injuries that could interfere with players' regular seasons, the tournament follows a non-contact (no bodychecking) format, allowing participants to compete over the holiday break and return to their respective teams without unnecessary injury risks.
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
Open to players aged 16–20 competing in M18 AAA, M18 AA, Junior A, Junior B, RSEQ school hockey, or other comparable elite-level hockey programs.
This is a mixed-age tournament. Playing level, experience, physical maturity and overall readiness are considered during application review and roster construction.
Please confirm that you meet the age and playing-level requirements before applying. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact info@freshicehockey.ca before submitting your application and deposit.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Eight guaranteed games in four days
- Six-team Original Six format
- Official lottery and virtual draft
- Regular-season standings, playoffs and a championship
- Professionally produced, broadcast and livestreamed games
- Access to full-game recordings on our streaming platform after the tournament
- Tournament media coverage, highlights and player interviews
- Player statistics and rankings
- Reviewed and revised tournament statistics
- Full professional-style team uniform rental, including home and away jerseys, game socks, helmet, gloves and shell
- Custom team mask wrap and coordinated PadSkinz for goaltenders
All rented uniform items must be returned at the end of the tournament.
APPLICATION REVIEW & PLAYER EVALUATION
All applications are reviewed. Acceptance is confirmed through an official acceptance email.
Player footage is used primarily to assess playing level and establish draft rankings for team balancing. These evaluations help general managers build balanced rosters and support competitive matchups across all six teams.
Returning NHLKIDS players
New footage is not required. Our evaluation team will contact you if additional footage or information is needed.
New players
Submit five short game clips. Short shifts are preferred. Long videos and edited montages are not required.
In the application, you’ll be asked to select how you’ll submit your footage for evaluation.
DATES, LOCATION & SCHEDULE
December 27–30, 2026
Complexe J.C. Perreault
620, rue J.-Oswald-Forest
Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Québec
J0K 3H0
Approximately 45 minutes northeast of Montreal.
The 2026 schedule will be released in December and is expected to follow a format similar to the previous edition.
View last year’s schedule for an example of the tournament format. https://freshicehockey.ca/18u-schedule
The previous schedule is for reference only. The 2026 event takes place at Complexe J.C. Perreault on December 27–30; game times will be confirmed in the new schedule.
For footage and coverage from previous editions, follow @nhlkids_ on Instagram.
REGISTRATION FEE & PAYMENT
Total registration fee: $485 plus applicable taxes
The fee includes all tournament features listed above.
Deposit: $100 plus applicable taxes
Required when submitting your application and deducted from the total registration fee. Applications submitted without the deposit will not be accepted.
Remaining balance: $385 plus applicable taxes
An invoice will be issued once your participation is confirmed.
Acceptance and refunds
Submitting an application and deposit does not guarantee acceptance.
If your application is not accepted, your deposit will be refunded minus a $25 administration fee. Otherwise, the deposit is non-refundable.
For payment assistance, contact info@freshicehockey.ca.
OUT-OF-TOWN PLAYERS
There is no designated tournament hotel. Players and families arrange their own accommodations.
Compare available options through Expedia, Airbnb or your preferred booking service in Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan and the surrounding Lanaudière region. Check the distance to the arena and the cancellation policy before booking.
Early reservations are recommended due to holiday demand.
APPLY FOR NHLKIDS JUNIOR
Complete the registration form below to apply for the 2026 NHLKIDS Junior Original Six Showcase.
Applications are reviewed as they are received. Roster positions are subject to eligibility and availability. Participation is confirmed through an official acceptance email.
Questions? Contact info@freshicehockey.ca.