Hockey tourney expected to bring $15M locally

Hosted by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Mediacom Ice Park and the Missouri State University Ice Bears, the 2013 American Collegiate Hockey Association Division III National Championships is estimated to impact the local economy by up to $15 million.

The tournament, which begins today and runs through March 16, brings about 500 players, coaches and staff, who will be staying in Springfield hotels, eating in area restaurants and shopping at local retailers, according to a news release.

“This tournament is the March Madness of ACHA hockey,” said Al Valdivia, hockey director at Mediacom Ice Park, in the release. “The top Division III teams from across the nation will be in Springfield competing for a national title, giving our community a rare opportunity to see this level of play in person.”

The tournament features competition by 16 college hockey teams, representing the best of more than 150 teams in the ACHA's Men's Division III. Tournament play at Mediacom Ice Park is scheduled through March 14, followed by semifinals March 15 and finals March 16, the release said.