DERBY ELITE CUP

We’re ready for another great year of hockey showcases. Join us this year for weekends filled with competitive Lexington hockey. Experience the GLHL for yourself and show everyone what your Lexington hockey team can do!

All teams are rostered on Game on Mobile. All games will be released on the app, along with scoring, statistics, and brackets. Please download either version for your upcoming hockey tournament.

EVENT DETAILS

  • 3 Games Guaranteed, 5 Games Maximum
  • Competitive divisions
  • Fun and positive atmosphere
  • Team Activity Packages available
  • Get to play new faces and new teams
  • U8 Games are full ice
  • On site Physical Therapy and Muscle Recovery Saturday 10:00AM (open to all players and parent in the gym)

DIVISION DETAILS

  • DATES & TIME: August 30th-September 1st, 2024
  • AGE LEVELS: U8AA. U10AA, U12AA
  • DIVISIONS: AA (tier 2 AAA allowed)
  • FEE: U8AA-$1825, U10AA-$1900, U12AA-$1900
  • RINK LOCATION: Lexington Ice, Lexington, Kentucky

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Sparkx Skate Sharpeners
  • Seminars; Ranging from Scouts-Player Development by leading professionals
  • Supplement Tent with Industry Leaders
  • Event Packages for Local Activities
  • Tournament Rules & Regulations

SHOWCASE PRODUCTS AND APPAREL

HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

HORSE PARK

Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the Horse Capital of the World. But the city, which resides in the state’s inner Bluegrass region, is also home to a wealth of history and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in watching a horse race at one of the city’s racetracks, making a stop along Kentucky’s historic Bourbon Trail, or simply looking for a dose of Southern charm, you’ll find it in Lexington. This vibrant city is not just about equine pursuits; it’s also a hotspot for hockey showcases and college hockey tournaments, offering unparalleled hockey opportunities for all. From youth hockey tournaments to showcase hockey tournaments, Lexington is becoming a go-to destination for hockey enthusiasts and college hockey recruits in 2024.

The Kentucky Horse Park is an operating horse farm, a theme park, and the venue for the annual High Hope Steeplechase, which takes place on the third Sunday in May. Visitors will learn about the history of horses and humans’ relationship to them through the park’s four museums and numerous memorials and statues. The park also hosts shows, demonstrations, and even presentations from the prize-winning horses that reside in the property’s Hall of Champions. Horseback trail rides and pony rides are among the activities available to visitors, alongside the thrill of ice hockey showcases and hockey combines that attract families and sports fans alike. The Kentucky Horse Park also shelters a campground, but for those who don’t want to rough it, there are a variety of hotels located nearby, such as the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream, or even the upscale Kentucky Castle in nearby Versailles. These accommodations are perfect for visitors in town for the big ten hockey tournament, hockey tournament finder enthusiasts, or participants in adult hockey tournaments.

HEADLEY WHITNEY MUSEUM

This museum was founded in 1968, initially as a private gallery to showcase the creations of its founders, jewellery designer George Headley III and his wife Barbara Whitney. The museum is home to various collections, including jewellery, bibelots, and mounted semiprecious stones designed and collected by Headley, as well as dollhouses designed by craftsmen for Whitney’s daughter. It’s also home to the couple’s collection of fine and decorative arts from around the world. There are also workshops for children and adults who wish to develop skills like flower arranging and jewellery making. Keep in mind that the museum is not open year-round and is closed for winter. Visitors have called it a hidden gem and a truly unique experience in an area where horses and bourbon are often the main attractions. Moreover, its proximity to Lexington Ice Center hockey and Lexington hockey rinks makes it a convenient stop for families and teams in town for hockey tournaments near me or seeking the best hockey exposure camps.

LEXINGTON BREWERY

The Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, founded in 1999, offers a rich selection of craft beers, malt beverages, spirits, and whiskeys, making it a prime destination for those interested in the local hockey showcase events or visiting for a college hockey tournament. A tour of the brewery and distillery immerses you in the brewing and distilling processes and includes four tasting tokens, perfect for sampling the products after a day at the ice hockey showcase or between hockey tournaments near me. It’s also the only location on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail where you can sample both beer and bourbon simultaneously, appealing to fans and participants of showcase hockey tournaments looking to relax. After the tour, the beer garden offers a serene spot to unwind with a pint, perhaps discussing the outcomes of youth hockey tournaments or planning visits to college showcases. If you decide to take something home from the shop, you’ll find recipes on the company’s website that might pair well with discussions on top college hockey recruits in 2024 or reminiscing about the show hockey experiences.

JAMES E. PEPPER DISTILLERY

James E. Pepper whiskey, first produced during the American Revolution and the oldest brand of whiskey made in Kentucky, holds a special allure for history buffs and whiskey lovers alike, including those in town for Lexington hockey tournaments or exploring hockey opportunities for all. Revived in 2008 after closing in 1967, the distillery offers an hourlong tour that delves into the history of James E. Pepper whiskey, including the meticulous process of researching and collecting original recipes. This journey through time complements the spirit of perseverance seen in hockey combines and North American showcases. The distillery building itself, neglected for 50 years and now beautifully restored, mirrors the resilience found in combined hockey junior leagues and adult hockey tournaments. At the tour’s conclusion, a sample of the distillery’s award-winning whiskeys and a complimentary tasting glass await, a perfect end to a day spent at hockey showcase tournaments or seeking the best hockey exposure camps. For those with tighter schedules, perhaps in Lexington for a quick college hockey camp or ice hockey showcase, the distillery’s bar and patio offer tasting flights and cocktails, providing a relaxed setting to reflect on showcase hockey achievements or plan future hockey tournaments this weekend.

ARBORETUM, BOTANICAL GARDEN OF KENTUCKY

Operated by the University of Kentucky, the Arboretum is a must-see attraction year-round, especially for visitors in town for Lexington hockey showcases or exploring Lexington’s rich hockey culture. The 100-acre public garden boasts three main features: the Walk Across Kentucky, the Horticultural Gardens, and the Kentucky Children’s Garden. In the Walk Across Kentucky area, you’ll find a 2-mile paved loop that winds through a collection of native plants sourced from around the state, a serene backdrop for those reflecting on the outcomes of youth hockey tournaments in Lexington or planning their next visit to a Lexington ice hockey showcase. The Horticultural Gardens contain four gardens, each with a different theme, offering a peaceful retreat for families and teams visiting for hockey tournaments near me. The Kentucky Children’s Garden is a place where children and families can learn about plants and the environment, perhaps after a day spent at Lexington hockey rinks. It’s free to visit the arboretum grounds, but donations are welcome, supporting a community that cherishes both its natural beauty and its vibrant hockey opportunities for all. Note that the Kentucky Children’s Garden closes during the winter months, much like the seasonal pause in outdoor hockey activities. If you’re looking for accommodations near the college campus, located in the heart of Lexington, consider The Campbell House Lexington, Curio Collection by Hilton, a convenient stay for those attending Lexington hockey tournaments or exploring college hockey camps near Lexington.

HORSE FARM TOUR

With roughly 450 horse farms throughout the region surrounding Lexington, the area offers a unique blend of equestrian culture and sports enthusiasm, paralleling the community’s passion for hockey showcases and Lexington ice hockey tournaments. Although you generally can’t visit without making prior arrangements, the experience of touring these farms can be as enriching as attending a Lexington hockey showcase. While some farms welcome visitors by appointment, others may require you to book a tour with a professional company, much like securing a spot in Lexington’s top hockey exposure camps. Most horse farms in Kentucky specialize in a specific breed, with some focused on racing and others on dressage, jumping, driving, and other skills, echoing the diverse skills showcased at Lexington hockey rinks. If you’re a big fan of equestrian sports, paralleling your enthusiasm for Lexington youth hockey, you may even be able to visit some of the champion horses. Plan to contact the farm in advance to make sure that the horse you want to see will be available for viewing, similar to checking the schedule for Lexington hockey tournaments. If you’re looking for a tour of one or more farms, compare the different local touring operations to find the best fit for you, ensuring your experience is as memorable as attending a hockey tournament in Lexington. Unique Horse Farm Tours and Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours are both highly rated by fellow travellers, offering insights into Lexington’s equestrian heritage that rivals the excitement of hockey tournaments near Lexington.

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS