TRAVERSE CITY — Northern Michigan will host the 2026 Traverse City Challenge – Women’s High School & College Hockey Showcase from Jan. 23–25, 2026, at the Centre Ice Arena.
According to a Jan. 7 news release, the event will feature 20 teams, including 16 women’s high school and youth hockey teams, alongside 4 American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II teams.
The Traverse City Challenge, now in its 13th year, aims to highlight the development of women’s hockey across varying levels. This showcase provides a platform for players and their families to witness the level of competition, as well as the talent emerging in the sport.
The event will welcome 16 women’s high school and youth hockey teams from various regions, along with 4 collegiate teams, ensuring a competitive lineup. Fans can expect a full weekend of high-tempo hockey culminating in exciting matchups between both youth and collegiate programs.
According to tournament organizers, “This event showcases not just great hockey, but the continued growth and opportunity within women’s hockey.” They also emphasized that participants and spectators will get a glimpse of the future of the game through the showcase.
The Traverse City Challenge is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the area, with families and fans traveling from various states. This influx is projected to benefit local hotels, restaurants and businesses throughout the weekend.
The event is sponsored by the Great Lakes Sports Commission, Top Shelf Hockey Tournaments and TraverseCity.com, reflecting a strong community partnership aimed at promoting women’s sports and attracting visitors to northern Michigan.
Schedules and additional event details will be released as the event date approaches, allowing fans to plan their attendance accordingly.