Only one day of competition at the CCM World Invite has been completed, and already teams are beginning to separate themselves from the field in multiple divisions. 

Minnesota teams especially have made their mark on day one, with two/three teams in the 2003 Elite Division holding the top spot in their respective pools. Both Edina and Gentry Academy won both their games by impressive margins. The Hornets downed the TPH Thunder (GA) 5-2 on Friday morning before cruising past Team Wisconsin 6-2 in the nightcap. Gentry thumped Omaha HC 13-3 in its first contest of the day and defeated the Northern Cyclones (NH) 7-1 to close the evening. 

Minnetonka went 1-1 on Friday, slipping past the Valley Forge (PA) Minutemen 3-1 and being edged out by the Jr. Coyotes (AZ) 4-2 in one of the final games of the evening session. 

Wayzata finished the first day at 1-1, falling to Burlington (ON) 6-3 and trouncing Team Illinois 8-2. Tucker Ness was impressive on the day, creating the bulk of the Trojan offense from the blue line. 

The Rosemount Peewee AA team is doing more than holding their own in the 2005 Elite Division, currently placed second in Pool A behind the Chicago Young Americans. CYA defeated Rosmeount 4-2 after the Irish started the day with a 6-1 win over the TPH Thunder (GA). Gentry Academy's 2005 team is also playing well in the division, posting a 2-0 mark on the first day. The '05 Galaxy scored a win over the Arizona Bobcats and ending the day with a 4-2 win over the Flint (MI) Jr. Firebirds.

Perhaps most impressive of the Minnesota field has been the Osseo-Maple Grove BAA squad, as the Leafbirds handed the 15U Chicago Mission a 3-1 loss to open Friday's slate. The Mission is currently ranked No. 7 in the latest My Hockey Rankings. The Leafbirds followed that win with a 5-2 victory over the Esmark Stars (PA).

In the 16U Division, the Minnesota Magicians 16U, Blizzard Hockey Club, and Tommy Chicago 16U have begun the Invite 0-2. The Magicians lost to Team North Dakota 3-1 and Culver Military Academy (IN) 4-3, while the Blizzard fell to the Jersey Hitmen 3-0 and the Alaska Oilers 5-0. The Chicago Fury shut out 16U Tommy Chicago in TC's first game, and the boys in green were handed a 7-3 defeat by the Long Island Gulls (NY). 

Tucker Ness, Wayzata BAA

Ness is a defenseman, but found his scoring touch on the first day of competition. A booming slapshot coupled with good shot selection played a role in Ness' multiple goals. 

Robert Lane, 2003 Long Island Royals

Fast and fearless when going up against bigger players, Lane scored the game-winning goal for the Royals in Friday's victory over the Jr. Coyotes (AZ). 

Alexander Babich, 2003 Chicago Mission

Babich combines great skating technique with an accurate shot to be a menace in the offensive zone for opposing defenses.

Chase Costantino, 2003 Burlington (ON) Eagles

A puck-moving defender with excellent skating ability, Castontino has been an instrumental piece of the Eagles' hot start. 

Zachary Herman, 2003 Carolina Stars

Herman netted the fourth goal of the Stars' win over the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders on Friday morning, calmly beating the goaltender with a clean wristshot. Cool under pressure, Herman is a pure asset to the Stars' attack.