The call volume into our office from parents, managers, coaches, and scouts, is overwhelming over the course of a hockey season. Thus, in order to better help you, here are some FAQ and the answers to them: We will do our best to list on a regular basis questions that are asked of us that can easily be answered here. If your question is not listed below, do not hesitate to email us.  

Is there any benefit to sending in my 2010 application and deposit early?
The 2009 Bauer International AAA Invite was completely full by June 1^st last year.  To be considered for an entry spot both the application and deposit fee must be submitted.  We accepted 384 Boy’s teams last year and there were 140 teams on the waiting list. The 2009 Girl’s Bauer Invite Tournament had 116 teams participate list year and another 40 plus on the waiting list.  Any team wishing to apply for entry into the Bauer International AAA Invite must complete an Application Form (available on-line), provide a resume of the past seasons accomplishments along with the deposit fee of $375 (US). 

How do I know if you received my application and deposit?
Once the application is received, it is input into our database. An email is then sent out automatically to the email address indicated on the application (please print your email address clearly to ensure that the return email is sent to the correct address). This email acknowledges receipt of your application as well as provides you with further information.  This email is not a final offer of acceptance into the tournament.

Do I have to submit my team's game results from 2009-10?
Yes. The Bauer International AAA Invite organizing committee requests that each team send in game results from last season, including all exhibition games, tournament games and league games. This information is used when determining the appropriate divisions (“AAA Elite” and “AAA”) for each team boy’s team as well as in the seeding process.

How are the divisions separated?
The Girl’s U19, U16, U14, and U12 are separated into “A” and “AA”.  The Boy’s 2001 age level will not be separated.  The Boy’s 00, 99, 98, 97, 96, and U16 age levels will be separated into two Divisions – “AAA Elite” and “AAA”.  The Bauer International AAA Invite only wants the very best teams at every age level.  Your submission of the application and past season’s results will be evaluated.  Our top competitive level is AAA Elite.  This division is open to any “validated” team that wants to compete at the highest and most competitive level. If the team is not to the standard of the “AAA Elite” division it will be considered for the “AAA” division. The AAA Division is designed for teams who are not quite ready to compete with the very best elite teams. Examples of teams that enter this division include (but are not limited to): teams that have players from a limited geographic area, small town teams, or new teams. From a USAH national perspective, the top ten (10) tier 2 (AA) teams in the country are comparable and can compete in this level of competition.  If the team is not to the standard of the “AAA” division, it will not be allowed into the tournament. The Tournament Team Selection Committee reserves the right to select from the list of applications and make appropriate placements. Once approved for either division, the completion of the registration procedure (payment, hotel forms and roster) must be completed.

When will we know if we have been accepted?
All competitive “AAA Elite” Boy’s teams and “AA” Girls teams that apply before May 31^st will be guaranteed acceptance immediately.  All other teams will be notified no later than Monday, August 2^nd, 2010.  * If total applications once again exceed the number of teams the tournament can accept ~ earlier notification will be given. Please note that all offers of acceptances are tentative until your application and deposit are received.

What is the Refund Policy?
Any team not accepted to the Bauer International AAA Invite will be refunded their entire deposit. Any team accepted to either the “AAA Elite” or “AAA” Boy’s Divisions or “AA” and “A” Girl’s Divisions has a non-refundable deposit.  If we have a team on the waiting list who can replace your team then a refund will be issued.  No refunds will be issued at either AAA divisions after August 27^th, 2010.

When does my team have to be ready to play and when can we depart?
All teams must be ready to play their first game on Friday, November 5^th, 2010 at 7:00 a.m.  All championship games conclude by 4:30pm on Sunday, November 7^th.  Every team should arrange to be in on Thursday night November 4^th, 2010. There is a mandatory coach/manager check-in and reception between 6-10pm on Thursday, November 4^th.   United Airlines is our official Airline for the Bauer International AAA Invite. Call the Special Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 584HD (Boys) and 585HD (Girls) to receive a tournament discount.  The tournament website also has information for BUDGET car and bus rentals under TRANSPORTATION.

What is the 2010 Tournament Format?
BOYS ~ CHICAGO, IL

2001’s:  20 Total Teams.   One Division.  20 teams will comprise of 4 brackets of 5 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top two teams in each division (8 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3^rd, 4^th, or 5^th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.

2000’s:  52 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  20 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 32 teams in the “AAA” Division.  The “AAA Elite” (20 teams) will comprise 4 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top 2 teams in each bracket (8 teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will have completed the tournament. The “AAA” Division (32 teams) will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1999’s:  56 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  24 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 32 teams in the “AAA” Division.  The “AAA Elite” (24 teams) will comprise 4 brackets of 6 teams each. Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top four (4) teams in each bracket (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 5^th or 6^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in another bracket.  The “AAA” Division (32 teams) will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1998’s:  56 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  24 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 32 teams in the “AAA” Division.  The “AAA Elite” (24 teams) will comprise 4 brackets of 6 teams each. Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top four (4) teams in each bracket (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 5^th or 6^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in another bracket.  The “AAA” Division (32 teams) will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1997’s:  56 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  24 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 32 teams in the “AAA” Division.  The “AAA Elite” (24 teams) will comprise 4 brackets of 6 teams each. Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top four (4) teams in each bracket (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 5^th or 6^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in another bracket.  The “AAA” Division (32 teams) will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1996’s:  80 Total Teams.  Two Divisions. 40 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 40 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise 8 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top teams in each bracket (8 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.

U16’s (1994/1995):  80 Total Teams.  Two Divisions. 40 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 40 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise 8 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top teams in each bracket (8 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.

GIRLS ~ ROCHESTER, NY

U12’s:  24 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  12 teams in the “AA” Division and 12 teams in the “A”  Division. Both AA and A Divisions will comprise of 2 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top two (2) teams in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th or 6^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in the other bracket.

U14’s:  32 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  20 teams in the “AA” Division and 12 teams in the “A” Division.  The AA Division (20 teams) will comprise 4 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top team in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to the semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.    The A Division (12 teams) will comprise of 2 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top two (2) teams in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th or 6^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in the other bracket.

U16’s:  32 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  20 teams in the “AA” Division and 12 teams in the “A” Division.  The AA Division (20 teams) will comprise 4 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top team in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to the semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.    The A Division (12 teams) will comprise of 2 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top two (2) teams in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th or 6^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in the other bracket.

U19’s:  44 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  32 teams in the “AA” Division and 12 teams in the “A”  Division.  The “AA” (32 teams) will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3^rd or 4^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket. The A Division (12 teams) will comprise of 2 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top two (2) teams in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th or 6^th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in the other bracket.

GAME TIMES for BOYS

All games will be run under Stop Time. Game length will be as follows:

v      Round Robin Games & Sweet Sixteen Games - 16-16-16 minute periods. U16’s and 1996’s will have an ice make after every two periods.

v      Quarter, and Semi-Finals - 10-10-10 minute periods.  No ice makes at any age level.

v  Championship Games - 16-16-16 minute periods.  U16’s and 1996’s will have an ice make after every two periods.   

GAME TIMES for GIRLS

All games will be run under Stop Time. Game length will be as follows:

v      U12 ~ Round Robin, Semi-Final & Championship Games - 13-13-13 minute periods.

v  U14 ~ Round Robin, Semi-Final & Championship Games - 14-14-14 minute periods.

v     U16 and U19 ~ Round Robin, Semi-Final & Championship Games - 16-16-16 minute periods.   Ice Make after every two periods.

Almost every team will play 2 games on Friday, and 2 games on Saturday. The Boy’s sweet sixteen for the 01’s, 00’s, 99’s, 98’s, & 97’s will begin Saturday late afternoon and evening.  All quarter, semi and championship  games are on Sunday, and are always over at the latest 4:30pm. You will play games on Sunday, if you qualify for the playoffs, starting at 7:00am. Some consolation games fall on Sunday as well.

What hotel should we book at?
All accepted teams must stay in authorized tournament hotels and submit all pre-registration forms. All hotels are in close proximity to arenas, restaurants, shopping malls and other attractions.  A hotel tournament packet will be emailed out to all accepted team contacts by July 16^th, 2010 and also posted on the web site. 

How do I know you have received all my information?
A team checklist for each age level will be posted on the website in early July. This online document details various information that needs to be completed including application, deposits, balance, hotel forms, team roster etc.  The website is updated every few days to keep track of what the Bauer AAA International Invite has received and what is still missing from each accepted team.  Please note that final team balances are due by September 3^rd, 2010.  Any team not paid in full by this date will lose their spot.

If the Head Coach has more than one team to oversee can scheduling arrangements be made?
We understand there can be personal conflicts that may hinder some coaches with multiple teams.  Although we can not promise that we can accommodate everyone's request. If a request is put in prior to August 2^nd we will make every attempt possible to help coordinate your games.

When is the schedule released?
The schedule for the 2010 Bauer International AAA Invite will be released on October 8^th, 2010.  Any requests prior to August 2^nd, 2010 will be taken into consideration.  Once the main schedule is released this will be FINAL.

Will the schedule change?
We make every attempt not to make changes to the schedule after October 8^th, however sometimes things happen that are out of our control and changes are made. It is important to monitor the website at www.invitebauer.com  for updates. We will send emails as well. Please be sure your email address is legible in order to receive these important updates.

When is the last day to submit my team roster for the tournament program?
The last day to submit your team roster and any changes is October 1^st,2010.

What if there is an error in the on-line Pointstreak roster and/or the number on the jersey?
When you register your roster on-line this information is used for Pointstreak statistics and the tournament program.  Once Pointstreak has the team rosters up on line and you see any discrepancies, please email our office immediately.

What do I do when I get to the Bauer International AAA Invite?
Your team managers/coaches will handle all check in procedure at the Thursday night reception. Specific information will be given to all team personnel at this mandatory meeting.

Does the team manager and or coach have to attend the check-in/reception on Thursday Nov. 4^th between 5-10pm?
YES. The Bauer International AAA Invite MANDATORY check-in/reception is an unique and innovative way to gather all team personnel for a social gathering.  In addition, each team picks up player gifts and additional tournament information that evening. Both are considered featured, and favorite events for the coaches/managers. When teams accept entrance into the Bauer AAA International Invite they do so knowing that participation in the manager/coach reception is mandatory for ALL teams.

Is there a fee for admission?
NO. Your team entry fee allows any individual to attend any games for free.

Are there many scouts that attend? And where are they from?
YES. The United States Hockey League (USHL) and College Hockey Inc., are just two of our major tournament sponsors.  Over 110 scouts attended the 2009 Bauer International Invite. The scouts came from Juniors (USHL, NAHL, EJHL, and Canadian Major Junior), Div 1 and 3 colleges, and many NHL teams. This tournament is the best choice for players/teams who are looking for Junior, College and Pro Exposure.

Will there be a photographer for the tournament?
YES.  Some time later this summer ~ Under Tournament Contacts you will see the Photographers contact information for each level.

What are the rules?
Please see last year’s 2009  Official Tournament Rules and Regulations posted on the website. Teams must be affiliated with one of the following: CHA, USA Hockey or IIHF.  The 2010 Rules and Regulations will be posted on Friday, October 8^th when the tournament schedule is released.

What are the rule differences between USAH and Canada?
All games are operated under USAH Rules and Regulations. Neck guards are required and mandatory for all US and CDN age level teams. All USAH registered players, including goalkeepers in the Peewee (98, 99) through Midget (U16 age classifications are required to wear a colored (non clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. Canadian teams will abide by the equipment requirements of their governing organization. For the first violation of this rule, the team shall be issued a warning. A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper of that team for a subsequent violation during that game. USA Hockey replaced the delayed offside rule with an automatic whistle. Consequently, if a player is offside, the whistle will be blown immediately. If the offside is accidental then the face-off will occur just outside the offensive zone blue-line, an intentional offside will be whistled down with the face-off occurring in the violating team's defensive zone. Checking and Slapshots are only permitted at the 1999 and older age classifications.

I want to become involved as a sponsor for this event. Who do I get in touch with?
Andrea Hahn, danandandreahahn@aol.com or 630.521.1111.

I have a question that is not on this list, what do I do?
On the BOYS side please email the Tournament Director at kmhinc@aol.com or call the Main Office and ask for Kevin Mann 630.521.1111. On the GIRLS side please email the Tournament Director at dirgirls@ryhockey.com or call 585-315-0098 and ask for Ray Cardella.