SISU Thunderbirds Invitational

The inaugural SISU Thunderbirds Invitational is a USA Hockey-sanctioned youth hockey tournament taking place March 20–22, 2026 at OhioHealth Chiller North and OhioHealth Chiller Ice Works in Columbus, Ohio. Featuring 2011 and 2012 birth year divisions, the Invitational guarantees each team four competitive games, culminating in semifinals and finals for every division. Designed to showcase elite hockey talent in a high-energy, development-focused environment, the event will provide certified athletic trainers on site throughout the weekend and foster meaningful competition among top youth programs. The tournament reflects the SISU Thunderbirds’ mission of advancing player development and competitive excellence and aims to establish a premier annual spring event for Tier II youth hockey teams.

The SISU Thunderbirds Invitational will feature separate 2011 and 2012 birth year divisions, each consisting of eight registered teams. Each birth year group will have the eight teams divided into two brackets for initial round-robin play.

Following the completion of round-robin games, teams will be reseeded based on performance and advance to bracket play. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will compete in semifinal matchups, with the winners advancing to the championship game. The No. 3 seeds will face each other, as will the No. 4 seeds, in designated consolation games, ensuring competitive and meaningful play for all teams through the final day of the tournament.