Erie, PA, USA — The 32nd Annual Sarah Backstrom Memorial Hockey Tournament will take place in February 2026 in Erie, Pennsylvania, bringing together elite girls’ youth ice hockey teams from across the United States.

Hosted by Lake Effect Hockey, the tournament is one of the longest-running all-girls hockey events in the country. The 2026 tournament will return for two weekends across multiple Erie region venues, a direct response to ongoing growth and strong demand. Once again, Erie Insurance Arena will anchor the event as the primary location.

More than 93 teams have already registered, with participants traveling from states including Florida, Colorado, and Montana, highlighting the tournament’s national reach and reputation.

Competitive Divisions and Fair Play

The tournament features age divisions 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 19U, with at least two competitive divisions offered in each age group. Some divisions, such as 14U, will include up to five brackets. All divisions are aligned with MyHockey Rankings to ensure competitive balance and high-quality matchups.

Hockey With a Purpose

The Sarah Backstrom Memorial Tournament is dedicated to making a significant community impact alongside elite competition. A key part of this commitment is its proud partnership with the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which supports pediatric leukemia research and awareness. This partnership is sustained by donating a portion of tournament proceeds, as seen in 2025 when the event contributed over $10,000 to the cause.

Tournament Schedule

• 16U / 19U: February 6–8, 2026

• 10U / 12U / 14U: February 13–16, 2026

Supporting the Growth of Girls' Hockey

As a cornerstone event in North American girls' youth hockey, the Sarah Backstrom Memorial Tournament provides a premier platform for young athletes to compete, develop, and celebrate the sport while honoring a meaningful legacy.