ITS ALMOST 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE - HOCKEY ANYONE

"A cool event in the Valley of the Sun"

Scottsdale, AZ - May 1, 2008 - In a region of the US better known for sizzling summers, giant saguaro cacti, coyotes (the four-legged kind), year-round golf and winter retreats, Ice Hockey is not something you'd think about when you hear the word "Arizona".

The first annual Athletes Resource Phoenix Invitational Prospects Tournament begins as the last of the "snow birds" depart. The event, to be held at the training arena of the Phoenix Coyotes, Scottsdale's AllTel Ice Den will run from Friday May 16 to Sunday May 18 2008 and will feature 16 to 18 year old players from all over the US. Watching the games will be coaches and scouts from various US, Canadian and European leagues. Many of the players will be hoping for college or professional drafting opportunities in the next few seasons. Some have places already secured.

Most of the players will be from southwestern states with, as one would expect, Arizona and California being best represented. Yet the tournament organizers' reputations, coupled with an impressive "who's who" of professional hockey have drawn kids from as far away as Massachusetts, Illinois and even Alaska.

Brendan Shaw, one of the founders of Athletes Resource, describes the tournament as important to the region. "The southwest hasn't traditionally hosted events like this and there's a lot of hockey talent in both the state and the region. Playing in front of top coaches and scouts normally means traveling across the country. By hosting an annual showcase here in Arizona, players from the region have a local event but still play in front of the same people."

As the clock ticks down to the Tournament, final preparations are underway. Team selection is in progress and the Athletes Resource Team is inundated with phone calls and emails from both selected players and hopefuls. "We have a long waiting list," says Mike De Angelis, co-founder of Athletes Resource and 3-time Olympian. "We had some tough choices to make and are still receiving applications even though there is little chance of making a team at this point."

Rob Cowie, former NHL professional and the third founder of Athletes Resource is feeling very positive about the event. "We've got an amazing group of pros coming to watch these kids play and I don't think they're going to be disappointed."

In addition to the distinguished audience, players will receive top-notch coaching from former professionals such as Derek King, Ed Kastelic, Robert Jay, Josh Brooks and Sean Gauthier. During a period of "down-time" on the tournament's second day, players and parents will attend a number of presentations given by the coaches, teams and managers. "They're going to get an inside look at how the hockey world operates," says Dave Segrove, the Athletes Resource Marketing and Internet Director. "They're encouraged to talk one-on-one with people who operate at high levels in the sport. It's a really unique opportunity to spend some quality time with people usually only seen at a distance."

Athletes Resource was founded in 2007 by Brendan Shaw, Rob Cowie and Mike De Angelis. The sports development and marketing company offers tournaments, camps and training to professional and amateur hockey players. For the latest information on the company and events, please visit www.AthletesResource.com.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please email dave.segrove@athletesresource.com. Athletes Resource, 20343 North Hayden Road Suite 105-153 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

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