With hundreds of teams traveling hundreds of miles (sometimes thousands) we plan to take an in depth look at both the spectacle of the CCM World Invite and how Minnesota fits into the landscape in the Windy City this weekend. 

The CCM Invite will host four teams in the '03 Elite division including prohibitive favorite Gentry Academy. Gentry could be the first Minnesota team to capture an elite level title in this big event. Rosemount PeeWee AA will take a shot at the Major PeeWee (2005 level) along with Gentry who has amassed a record of 

On Thursday, the CCM kicked off at Seven Bridges Arena in Woodbridge, just west of downtown Chicago. On top of six exhibition games there was plenty to do off the ice for players, parents and coaches. 

Fans got a chance to meet Oly and Jacob from the On The Bench videos, the Hanson Brothers from Slap Shot fame and NHL Hall-of-Famer Bobby Hull. If that wasn't enough the Stanley Cup was on display for fans to get their pictures taken.

Here are a few picks for this weekend's elite tournaments. YHH staffer Peter Odney will be in town to see as much as he can.

2007 (Major Squirt) - Favorite,  Team Illinois - Darkhorse, CHI Mission

2006 (Minor PeeWee) - Favorite, Anaheim Jr Ducks -  Darkhorse, Soo Jr. Greyhounds

2005 (Major PeeWee) - Favorite, Chicago Mission - Darkhorse, Team Illinois

2004 (Minor Bantam) - Favorite, CYA - Darkhorse, Green Bay Jr. Gamblers

2003 (Major Bantam) - Favorite, Gentry - Darkhorse, Edina Hornets

2002 (15U) - Favorite, Chicago Mission - Darkhorse, Team Wisconsin

16U (Minor Midget) - Favorite, Team Wisconsin - Darkhorse, Anaheim Jr. Ducks