Volunteer Cup
The Knoxville Jr. Ice Bears are proud to welcome teams from across the region to the 1st Annual Volunteer Cup Mite Hockey Tournament in Knoxville, Tennessee the weekend of September 26th & 27th 2026. This exciting event brings together young hockey players for a weekend of competition, development, and unforgettable memories in the heart of Volunteer Country.
The Volunteer Cup is designed to provide Mite players with a first-class tournament experience while emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and a love for the game. Teams will compete against similarly matched opponents in either our High Division or Low Division, ensuring a competitive and enjoyable weekend for players, coaches, and families alike.
Tournament Contact Info
Bryan Hince (Tournament Director)
Phone: (865) 242-2578
Email: Bryan@knoxvilleicebears.com
Locations
Knoxville Ice Chalet
100 Lebanon St, Knoxville, TN 37919
Pro Vision Hockey Academy
665 Gladstone rd. Lenoir City, TN.
Upper Division
The High Division is intended for teams that are competing at an advanced Mite level and are looking for a fast-paced, competitive tournament experience. Teams in this division should consist primarily of players with strong skating ability, puck skills, and game awareness who are comfortable playing at a higher tempo.
This division is designed for organizations seeking challenging competition against similarly skilled teams. Games will emphasize skill execution, hockey IQ, and competitive play while maintaining a positive environment focused on player development and sportsmanship.
Lower Division
The Low Division is designed for teams focused on player development, skill growth, and providing a positive tournament experience for newer or less experienced players. This division offers competitive games while ensuring teams are matched against opponents of similar ability levels.
The goal is to create an environment where players can build confidence, gain valuable game experience, and continue developing their skills while enjoying the tournament atmosphere.
Division Placement
To provide the best possible experience for all participants, tournament staff reserve the right to review registrations and recommend division placement when necessary. Our goal is to ensure competitive balance, meaningful games, and an enjoyable experience for every team.
When registering, coaches and team managers should select the division that best reflects their team's current level of play. Proper placement helps create the most competitive and rewarding tournament environment for all teams involved.
Hotels
This is NOT A STAY TO PLAY. Pick where you want to stay. Rink is central to Knoxville
Entry Fee
*800 Per Team
*700 per team for 2 teams (Contact Tournament Director for discount code)
1 Hour Free Practice Access to Pro Vision Hockey Academy
As part of the Volunteer Cup experience, participating teams will have access to Pro Vision Hockey Academy throughout the tournament weekend. Teams are invited to take advantage of one complimentary hour of ice time for practice, skill work, or team preparation. Ice sessions are available on Friday and Saturday, subject to availability between tournament games. In addition, $5 skate sharpening services will be available for all tournament participants.
To schedule your team's free ice session, coaches or team managers should contact the Tournament Director prior to or during the event. Ice times will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tournament Format
Teams will compete in a round-robin format throughout the weekend, ensuring every player receives plenty of ice time and game experience. Following preliminary play, teams will be seeded within their respective divisions for championship and placement games.
Tournament Schedule
- Tournament Begins: Saturday at 12:00 PM
- Tournament Concludes: Sunday at 1:00 PM
- 6 Games Guaranteed
- High Division and Low Division Competition
- Championship and Placement Games
- Certified Officials
Game Format
Teams will participate in three back-to-back game sessions throughout the weekend. During each session, teams will face two different opponents, resulting in a total of six guaranteed games.
Each game consists of:
- 22-Minute Running-Time Periods
- 2 Minute Buzzers
- No Puck Warm up
- Quick transitions between games to maximize ice utilization
- Opponent changes after each game session
- Cross-Ice Mite Format
Mite Volenteer Cup
1st Annual Volunteer Cup Mite Hockey Tournament September 26th & 27th.
Join us in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the 1st Annual Volunteer Cup, a premier Mite hockey tournament designed to maximize player development, competition, and fun. Hosted by the Knoxville Jr. Ice Bears, this event brings together teams from across the region for a fast-paced weekend featuring six guaranteed games, balanced divisions, and a first-class tournament experience.
Register