"The Fall Classic has evolved to become a priority scouting event that provides all 31 NHL clubs an initial look at the top talent available for the NHL Draft, playing at one site over four days of entertaining and competitive games," said Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting. "The NHL appreciates its partnership with the USHL, who along with host venue UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, provide exceptional hospitality in presenting one of the highest attended events of the hockey season."
There also will be elite invitational youth tournaments featuring 16 top teams in each of four age groups - 14-and-under, 15-and-under, 16-and-under and 18-and-under. Those teams will be competing at four other local rinks - the Baierl Ice Complex in Warrendale; Printscape Arena at Southpointe; the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center on Neville Island; and the Alpha Ice Complex in Harmarville.
In all, more than 2,000 youth players (and many of their families) will be coming to Butler and Allegheny Counties.
"The scouting presence at the Fall Classic has grown over the years and we expect the trend to continue this year with so much talent in one place at one time," said USHL Deputy Commissioner Denny Scanlon. "Last season, more than 300 scouts were in attendance and we expect that number to continue to grow at this season's event. This has become a very valuable date on the calendar for scouts at all levels as it features the best talent each age group has to offer."
The Pittsburgh Penguins and the five-year-old UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex are honored to be hosting this unique event for the fourth straight year, and appreciate the support of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau and VisitPittsburgh.
"The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex again becomes the hub of United States junior and youth hockey for four days and gives hundreds of scouts - as well as our fans here in Pittsburgh - the chance to see some of the best young hockey players in the world," said David Morehouse, president and CEO of the Penguins. "It also makes a significant economic impact on Butler County, Allegheny County and the region. We appreciate all that the USHL and its clubs continue to do to support the growth of our game and look forward to some great competition starting Sept. 26."
For schedule information, please go to
ushl.com
. For tickets, please click
HERE
.
