The champions of the Ducks tournament will play in The Chel Invitational, which will also be hosted at the DreamHack Anaheim event. The Chel Invitational will feature the winners from Anaheim, in addition to the regional champions from the LA Kings, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers as well. The live on-stage competition will be held on February 22 at the Anaheim Convention center. Overall, scholarships, grants and team prizes totaling more than $50,000 will be awarded.
"We are thrilled to provide an avenue for the Anaheim Ducks to expand its presence into the esports universe," said Roy Edmondson, executive director, Orange County Sports Commission. "Allowing local youth the opportunity to compete for scholarships within the evolving esports community is a source of great pride. The Invitational is a great way to connect the NHL and NASEF and we are excited to be on the ground floor of the competition."
"We're stoked to see the partnerships developing between NHL franchises and their communities, including youth, as a result of this esports Invitational. Participating in an online hockey tournament with your favorite NHL team, possibly winning prizes and scholarships - plus the chance to play on the spotlight stage at DreamHack Anaheim - this is a dream opportunity!" said Deppe.
Registration Information
Adults can find information about the Ducks' qualifier at
AnaheimDucks.com/nhl20
.
High school students opt-in for the Invitational through the NASEF club at their high school or community-based organization. There are
hundreds
across North America;
establish a club
for free if there isn't one in your area yet. An additional bracket has been established to enable students to participate in this exciting tournament even if they live outside the four regions. NASEF never wants cost to be a factor in student participation, so it will provide the game and 3-month membership to the platform of choice (Xbox Live Gold or Playstation Plus) to the first 100 clubs that register.
NASEF leverages massive youth interest in esports by teaching students about career options that exist in esports, professional sports, and other industries. Students may develop gaming abilities, but the focus is on learning and practicing skills in related careers like shoutcasting, marketing, artwork and design, and more. In the
Chel Invitational
, high schoolers can win scholarships up to $2,000 for their own college education, plus grants up to $2,500 for their high schools. In addition to those given to NHL 20 gameplay winners, additional scholarships will be given to students who win analytic and creative "Beyond the Game" competitions with a hockey theme.
Anaheim Ducks Gaming is a newly-formed entity that focuses on creating relationships, fostering competition and building valuable skill sets through esports all while exposing new audiences to the sport of hockey. Participants in Anaheim Ducks Gaming events learn communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and other tools that are beneficial beyond just virtual reality. Adults in the Anaheim area can find information about the Ducks' qualifier at
AnaheimDucks.com/nhl20
.
About the North America Scholastic Esports Federation
The
North America Scholastic Esports Federation
is working to ensure that ALL students possess the knowledge and skills needed to be society's game changers: educated, productive, and empathetic individuals. NASEF is on a
mission
to provide opportunities for ALL students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. The Federation's core values are intertwined through all aspects of education and play: learning, opportunity, community, diversity, and respect.
Learn more at
www.esportsfed.org
. Members of the press can find videos, infographics, and leadership profiles in the
online press room
. See matches streamed live on our
Twitch
channel, and join online conversations on Twitter
