GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins will host their third annual “Cross-Ice Jamboree” at Van Andel Arena this Saturday, Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., leading up to the Griffins’ 7 p.m. game against the Rockford IceHogs.

In celebration of Hockey Day in Michigan, more than 330 youth players and 42 teams from nine area hockey associations will compete throughout the afternoon in a series of 130 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 Cadillac, East Grand Rapids (EGRAHA), Georgetown (GVAHA), Grand Rapids (GRAHA), Holland, Kentwood (KHASA), Lansing (Capital Centre Pride), Midland and Rockford.

The inaugural jamboree held on Feb. 16, 2008 consisted of approximately 250 players and 34 teams from nine associations playing nearly 70 games, and 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.