GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins will host their second annual “Cross-Ice Jamboree” at Van Andel Arena this Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., leading up to the Griffins’ 7 p.m. game against the Rochester Americans.

More than 330 youth players and 41 teams from 11 area hockey associations will compete throughout the afternoon in a series of 84 cross-ice hockey games. The arena’s regulation 200’ x 85’ rink will be equally divided along the blue lines into three smaller playing surfaces to accommodate three games at once.

The hockey associations participating in Saturday’s jamboree include Battle Creek, Cadillac, East Grand Rapids (EGRAHA), Georgetown, Grand Rapids (GRAHA), Holland, Kalamazoo (KOHA), Kentwood (KHASA), Lansing (Capital Center Pride), Rockford and Walker.

Last year’s inaugural jamboree was held on Feb. 16, 2008 to coincide with Hockey Day in Michigan. With approximately 250 players and 34 teams from nine associations playing nearly 70 games, it comprised the largest Hockey Day in Michigan event, according to USA Hockey.

Cross-ice hockey is an introductory program designed to develop ice hockey skills and competitive play among the youngest players, in a team-oriented setting that features smaller team sizes and player-to-coach ratios. Given the reduced playing surface, players touch the puck more often and enjoy more shooting, passing, scoring and goaltending opportunities, while improving their skating skills due to more changes in direction. The results are faster skill development, increased game action, fewer stoppages of play and more fun for the young players.