With the second day of competition completed, every field in the CCM World Invitational bids farewell to a substantial amount of teams, with the eight remaining divisional champions advancing to the quarterfinals in each age group. 

In terms of Minnesota groups, Osseo-Maple Grove advances to the 15U quarterfinals after sweeping its Division G opponents to emerge with a 4-0 record. The Leafbirds cruised past the Jersey Hitmen 6-0 to open Saturday before edging the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals 3-1 in the nightcap. Awaiting the Leafbirds in the next round will be the Long Island Royals.

Both Gentry Academy and the Edina Bantam AA teams move on the quarterfinals in the Bantam Major group, with the Galaxy taking Division G and the Hornets claiming top spot in Division E. Gentry continued its high-scoring assault on the field with a 12-0 win over HKMK Bled (SLV) and ending the day with a 9-1 win over the Tri-State (KY) Spartans. 

Edina sped past Fox Motors (MI) in the first Bantam Major game of the day by a score of 6-3 before dispatching the Esmark Stars (PA) 5-2 behind a pair of goals by defenseman Nick Williams to finish 4-0 through two days of the Invite.

The Minnesota Bantam AA teams of Wayzata and Minnetonka concluded their Invite runs on Saturday, as the Burlington (ON) Eagles took Wayzata’s division and the Long Island Royals took Minnetonka’s. The Trojans ended the Invite with a 3-1 record, while the Skippers leave Bensenville with a 2-2 mark. 

Neither the Rosemount PWAA team nor the 2005 Gentry Galaxy will make an appearance in their age group’s quarterfinals, as the Irish bow out with a 2-2 record after defeating Fox Motors (MI) 6-3 and falling to the Hamilton (ON) Jr. Bulldogs 4-2 on Saturday. After starting the weekend 2-0, the ’05 Galaxy dropped an 8-2 decision to Team Illinois to start Saturday and was shut out by the Madison Capitols 4-0 to finish 2-2. 

Like the 2005 age group, there will be no Minnesota representative in the 16U quarterfinals. The 16U Minnesota Magicians went 0-4 over the weekend after losing to the Madison Capitols 5-1 and the Nashville Jr. Predators on Saturday. Tommy Chicago 16U ended with a 1-3 record, beating the Northern Cyclones (NH) 8-7 before dropping its last Invite game 6-1 to Omaha AAA HC.

Like Tommy Chicago, the Blizzard Hockey Club also finished the weekend 1-3, defeating the St. Louis Prospects early on Saturday and losing to the Chicago Young Americans 5-2 to close out the day. 

Evan DeJesus, Chicago Young Americans

DeJesus' speed and tenacity in the offensive zone causes headaches for even the staunchest defenses. 

Oliver Peer, Burlington (ON) Eagles

Peer is an offensive standout, using his quickness and strong stickhandling skills to weave between defenders and create chances.

Nick Williams, Edina

The defenseman showed off his scoring side on Saturday, notching two goals for the Hornets in their win over the Esmark (PA) Stars.

Seiya Tanaka-Campbell, Shawnigan Lake School Prep (BC)

Tanaka-Campbell is a sturdy skater who is rarely caught out of position, and wields a lethally accurate shot as well. 

Stefan Carney, Team Illinois

Carney stood on his head as Team Illinois shut down the offensively potent Burlington (ON) Eagles, kicking out every shot but one in the 1-1 draw.