The heat and humidity of summer will be put on ice for the first time this August as the Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA) plays host to the inaugural Market Days Classic Tournament, scheduled for Aug. 12-14.
Games will be played at the American Heartland Ice Arena in Lincolnwood, the same venue used in the 2006 Gay Games.
"We decided to host our own tournament after attending tournaments in New York City, Madison (Wis.,) and Toronto. It has been over a year in the making," said CGHA president Andrew Sobotka.
Tournament officials are expecting 150 players from across the United States and Canada, as registered players are coming into town from Vancouver, Boston, New York, Madison, Ottawa, Toronto, Columbus, Denver and Montreal, among other cities.
"We're just hoping that there is some friendly competition between the cities. We also want to be able to show off our city to the many players who have never been here," Sobotka said.
The tournament will have two divisions, based on skill level and competitiveness.
Registration is open through Friday, Aug. 12.
Crew and Goose Island 312 are the major tournament sponsors.
Crew, 4804 N. Broadway, also is the site for the CGHA's major tournament fundraiser, scheduled for Friday, July 15, 8-11 p.m. The event features $20 for all-you-can-drink Goose Island and an array of raffle prizes, including autographed National Hockey League memorabilia.
The CGHA, founded in 2002 by Chuck Jacobson, now features a roster of 25 players19 gay men, four straight men, one heterosexual woman and one lesbian.
The CGHA is now playing its current season at Johnny's Ice House running through August. The team is now 6-6.