SUPERIOR, Wis.: A year ago the UW-Superior men's hockey team entered the realm of hosting its own tournament with the birth of the Superior Showdown. In 2018 the Showdown is back for a second year, hitting the ice this Saturday and Sunday at Wessman Arena.

And the tournament field for 2018 does not disappoint. In addition to the host Yellowjackets, three teams ranked in the top-15 according to d3hockey.com - Trinity College, St. Scholastica, and Marian will also be in town, making the Second Annual Superior Showdown one of the best tournaments in the nation this season.

"When we made the decision to host a tournament at Wessman Arena, we envisioned something that would bring really good teams to our campus and community," said Yellowjacket Head Coach Rich McKenna. "I didn't expect it to happen as quickly as it did, but to be able to ice a tournament with three teams coming in that are all nationally ranked is a great thing for hockey fans in the Twin Ports. People here have a chance to come out and watch four really great games right in their own backyard."

Marian University returns to defend its crown, after claiming in the inaugural Superior Showdown last year by dispatching the Yellowjackets in the championship game. The Sabres, who made an appearance in the N.C.A.A. tournament last season, come into the weekend ranked No. 15 nationally in the most recent d3hockey.com poll. They will face a St. Scholastica team first game of the tournament. The Saints, who are ranked No. 11, defeated the Yellowjackets in November. Rounding out the field is Trinity College from Hartford, Connecticut. The Bantams won a national championship in 2015 and are ranked No. 10 in the country coming into play Saturday.

"We have the defending champions back for another year, one of our closest rivals in St. Scholastica, and a team that are fans probably aren't familiar with and have never seen here before to compete," McKenna said. "This is a great stepping stone for our event and the Superior Showdown has a really bright future."

In addition to the tournament games the Superior Showdown will get underway with a banquet Saturday morning. In addition to the meal and comments from all four coaches competing, Joe Polo, who won a gold medal with the United States Men's Curling Team at the 2018 Winter Olympics will be on hand as the keynote speaker. A native of Cass Lake, Minnesota, Polo won a bronze medal with Team U.S.A. in 2006 before winning gold in South Korea in February. Polo has represented the United States at six men's world curling championship events. He is a six-time United States men's national champion and won bronze at the 2016 World Mixed Doubles Championship.

"The whole nation, and especially our community was captivated by what the men's curling team accomplished at the Winter Olympics," UW-Superior Athletics Director Nick Bursik said. "To be able to have a member of that team to come and deliver a great message to our competitors and guests is another reason why the Superior Showdown is developing into a premier college hockey tournament, not just in Superior but nationwide."

The banquet is open to the public and people can purchase tickets at the door for $25. The admission price includes a meal in addition to listening to the day's speakers.

Superior Showdown Schedule
Saturday, December 29
11:30 a.m. - Banquet - Yellowjacket Union Great Room
4:00 p.m. - St. Scholastica vs. Marian
7:00 p.m. - Trinity vs. UW-Superior

Sunday, December 30
4:00 p.m. - Consolation Game
7:00 p.m. - Championship Game

At the conclusion of the tournament the championship team will receive a trophy. In addition, an all-tournament team and tournament most valuable player will be selected. Both Yellowjacket contests will be carried live on 91.3 FM KUWS. All four games will also be streamed live online through the iFan Sports Network.

For more information on the Second Annual Superior Showdown please contact Yellowjacket Athletics at (715) 395-4619.