Europe

Look no further as NAA is proud to be one of the official representatives from Canada that are allowed to participate in the prestigious

(April - Girls and August - Boys each)! Each year NAA sends a number of Teams to play in Tournaments as well as to enjoy the European country side in a way and manner that is specifically designed for the hockey player and their traveling companions.

The sporting travel organization that puts this fantastic trip together specializes in putting the right package together for each participating Team. Entry to the Tournament, cultural tours and a qualified guide accompanies each and every group.

Each travel package is approximately two weeks in length, but is put together with your input well in advance so that proper clearances and schedules can be made. It is the general agreement of the group that determines where and when the group will travel. The Tournament itself is in a set time period, so all Teams will be there at that one time. Traveling before and / or after is where the cultural experience comes in!

Selection and participation on the Teams is determined be the coaching staff. As there is a set cost involved for every individual, first come - first onboard is a consideration in determining the Team. Players must possess the skills, attitude and commitment necessary to be successful in traveling with the Team. When deposits are ACCEPTED, then a player is accepted to the Team.

This coming year there are three (3) NAA Teams leaving to participate in Finland. This year (Spring of 2010) there are plans under way to send a female Team (U-18). The Executive of both NAA and Azorcan Global Ltd. have set specific guidelines for participation and in informing the participants what is expected.

To give you a fair understanding of what takes place, please take the time to speak with Paul/Brenda Schmidt who have been responsible for sending Teams and being with Teams in Europe for over 10 years!

What will happen is that each participant will depart from Canada for a unique fun filled two week holiday.

Our goal is to be a good representative for Canada in this Tournament! We will take the best Team possible, but our primary goal is to give the players an opportunity to enjoy this unique experience. This is NOT a win at all costs Team!

We will take only seventeen players so that all players receive a good amount of playing time. Your tour contains approximately seven to eight hockey games. High caliber athletes from throughout Canada are welcome on this 'Once in a Lifetime' opportunity for a player and family. Players will be selected on a first come first served basis and your deposit is your guarantee of participation. The Team holds practices prior to departure.

A non-refundable $500.00 deposit is required to be given and accepted by the Team to reserve your position on the Team. It is recommended that at least one adult accompany each player as the Team Management is NOT responsible for monitoring players away from the Arena. We encourage family members and / or friends to join us on the European experience. Call for more tour information and remaining positions available.

About Howe Hockey Tours

Howe Hockey Tours was developed to provide expanded options to elite level prospects by matching top quality North American talent with elite level European players in a culturally rewarding tour format. We believe that the Howe Hockey tour experience is the best in the industry for one simple reason, we know our hockey! There are several sports tour agencies out there that are trying to be all things to all people. Howe Hockey Tours differentiates ourselves from our competition by knowing our product. We have built aliases with key European partners and have prescreened any and all events that our teams participate in. Our strategy for player improvment is simply, play with the best against the best and your game will improve. Howe Hockey Tours realizes that groups of 30-40 persons cannot be forced into a pre-planned canned itinerary, that is why we work with group leaders to customize elements of the tour to make sure that all our groups get the experience they are looking for.

The Howe Family

Gordie Howe's extraordinary talent, fame and allure helped the NHL to expand by over 350% during his tenure and also spawn a whole new league-- the World Hockey Association. When he retired from the sport he held more records than any team athlete in history.

He is the first father in history to play a major sport with not one but two sons professionally for seven years. Gordie came out of retirement in 1973 to team up with the two boys. They won the championship that year with Mr. Hockey® the MVP at the age of 45 and Mark the rookie of the year. He is considered the most durable athlete in history and amazingly he had his best seasons at the age of 41 and 48 years. He retired at age 52 in the NHL as a member of the Hartford Whalers leading the team to the playoffs.

Today, Gordie continues to serve as a role model and ambassador to generations of fans and players alike. He has remained an unblemished sportsman. Humble, sincere, and approachable he has inspired the likes of the great one Wayne Gretzky and the fantastic Bobby Orr. He is a hero to many, an icon of our time. He is and always will be MR Hockey®!

SKILLED FEMALE PLAYERS NEEDED!  NAA IS organizing a Team to travel to  Russia / Finland in the Spring of 2010 (dates of Tournament are actually April 16 - 26, 2010) and participate in this unique hockey / cultural opportunity! The Team would be comprised of skilled players who have that desire to excel in their hockey advancement as well as experience a truly sensational cultural opportunity!!

What we are planning to do is gather a list of those players / parents who would like to go. We already have a number of inquiries and 'strong' commitments to participate. Players / parents who would like to be considered for traveling and playing on our Team should send an email expressing your interest and 'strong' commitment in being part of this truly exceptional hockey / cultural experience by clicking on this link - Paul/Brenda Schmidt

For more information, click here .......................

SKILLED MALE PLAYERS NEEDED!  NAA IS organizing a Team to travel to  Russia / Finland in the Summer of 2010 (dates of Tournament are actually August 8 - 20, 2010) and participate in this unique hockey / cultural opportunity! The Team would be comprised of skilled players who have that desire to excel in their hockey advancement as well as experience a truly sensational cultural opportunity!!

Player selections for the Teams going to Europe is an ongoing task. The Coaching staff for each Team is responsible for the selection of each player participating.

If you should wish to play or may wish further information regarding playing Hockey in Europe, please contact Paul/Brenda Schmidt.

For more information, click here .......................