Michigan Hockey's 18th Annual Banquet of Champions

18th Annual Banquet of Champions a big night for amateur hockey in Michigan

The MAHA state tournament continues to grow and so does Michigan Hockey’s annual celebration of all the state champions.

This year’s 18th annual Banquet of Champions, held at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi on April 13, 2010, was another big night for amateur hockey in Michigan.

This year’s Banquet of Champions featured 24 MAHA state championship teams, including boys teams in the squirt, pee wee, bantam and midget age groups at the BB, B, A, AA, AAA and new JV Prep levels, along with eight girls teams from the 12 and Under, 14 and Under, 16 and Under and 19 and Under Tier I and II levels.

More than 1000 Michigan state championship players, coaches, family members, amateur hockey supporters and special guests were on hand for the 2010 Michigan Hockey Banquet of Champions.

"Everyone at Michigan Hockey is proud to honor all of the MAHA state champions,” said Philip Colvin, Michigan Hockey Editor in Chief. “The Banquet of Champions gives the players, coaches and their families some recognition for their terrific seasons.  It is a big undertaking, but seeing all the smiling faces enjoying the night makes it all worth it.”

After the social hour, guests were treated to a program of dinner, action-packed team videos and a Super Drawing of great hockey prizes that included apparel, gift certificates, and equipment, including new Reebok and CCM sticks and skates. In addition, coaches were presented with wooden plaques to commemorate their team’s outstanding season.

CCHA associate commissioner and hockey analyst Fred Pletsch served as the Master of Ceremonies and helped honor Michigan’s most successful youth hockey teams.

“You have all earned state titles,” Pletsch told the players in attendance. “And with it you will have friends and memories for the rest of your lives.” 

During the social hour guests had a chance to catch up with teammates and friends and view some of Reebok and CCM’s newest products at the equipment manufacturer’s display. Sales representatives Steve Rymsha and Jill Gaudet brought skates, sticks, pads and helmets and were on hand to talk about the new products with players.

There were 10 teams and 300 people at the first Michigan Hockey Banquet of Champions at the Dearborn Holiday Inn in 1993.  The one-of-a-kind event has grown every year but wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of sponsors that include Reebok / CCM Hockey, Contemporary Industries, the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, Buffalo Wild Wings, Perani’s Hockey World, Plymouth Whalers and Compuware, Honeybaked Hockey Club, Detroit Red Wings Foundation, Little Caesars Enterprises and Rock Financial Showplace.

“We appreciate all of their tremendous support, because we couldn’t do this Banquet without the commitment of our sponsors,” said Colvin. “On behalf of our sponsors, congratulations again from Michigan Hockey on a great season.”