Summer Tournament Hockey

GMP Summer Hockey Frequently Asked Questions

Simple answers for families interested in the GMP Hockey summer tournament program.

Program Overview

What is a GMP Hockey summer tournament team?

A GMP Hockey summer tournament team is a select off-season team for players who are ready to have fun, compete in summer tournaments, improve their skills, and grow their game.

When and where are tryouts?

Tryouts for the Greater Michigan Prospects summer tournamet teams take place in the spring of 2027. Tryouts are typically held in West Metro Detroit, Michigan.

What will players work on?

Players will develop game concepts, position-specific skills, disciplined team play, and a stronger competitive mindset.

What is the mission of the program?

Our mission is to help players learn to “Play Like A Pro” and “Compete Like A Champion.”

Is this program good for player development?

Yes. Players receive purposeful, game-related team practices, experienced coaching, and the opportunity to compete against high-level players.

Commitment and Schedule

What is the commitment level?

Players selected for a GMP team are expected to attend team practices, two local tournaments, and one away tournament.

Are practices included?

Yes. Six team practices. There are two mandatory practices before the first tournament, followed by two practices before each additional tournament.

When should players arrive before games?

Players should arrive 45 minutes before game time and be fully dressed 10–15 minutes before the game. Players are expected to warm-up before they get dressed.

Will tournament games start early?

Tournament games may start up to 15 minutes early if the previous game ends ahead of schedule.

Team Format and Playing Time

How many lines are on each tournament roster?

Each team has a maximum of three lines. Players may be asked to learn and play multiple positions to support their development and the needs of the team.

How much ice time should players expect?

Ice time is essentially equal. Exceptions may be made for face-offs, special teams, the final 3 minutes of a period, the final 5 minutes of a game, and playoff games.

How many goalies are on each team?

Teams typically carry two goalies. Goalies split time until playoffs, when playing time is determined at the coach’s discretion.

Costs, Gear, and Jerseys

What is included in the player fee?

2027 season player fees include; summer team practices, three tournaments, and a team jersey.

Is there a player payment plan option?

Yes, players can divide payments up in 1/2 or 1/3 if needed.

When will players receive team jerseys?

Players will receive their team jerseys at the first team practice and parent/player meeting.

Tournaments and Travel

Where do families stay for tournaments?

Most tournaments follow a “Stay to Play” policy. A hotel booking link will be shared before each event. This policy does not apply to local metro Detroit tournaments.

Registration and Rosters

How do players apply or get selected?

Players register online for the prospects spring tryouts. Teams are formed based on tryout performance, player development needs, and overall program needs.

Will parents be able to view team rosters?

Yes. Team rosters will be posted on the website once jersey numbers are assigned and payments are completed.

How many GMP teams per birth year are there?

GMP will field one team per age group in 2027. Peewee U11, Peewee U12, Bantam U13, Bantam U14, Midget U15, Midget U16.

Hockey Director- Coach Slater

Coach Chris Slater has 25+ years of coaching experience, Level 5 USA Hockey certification, and ISSA personal trainer credentials. His philosophy emphasizes long-term growth, purposeful competition, and straightforward advice for athletes and families.

Slater played professionally as a defenseman, won an ECHL championship, earned All-Star honors, attended Detroit Red Wings training camp, competed at Michigan State and Western Michigan University, participated in two U.S. Olympic Festivals, and represented Team USA internationally.

Hockey General Manager


U16 Midget - Coach Lawmaster

Jason Lawmaster is a retired American professional hockey defenseman from Westland, Michigan. Born December 31, 1978, he played a physical, right-shot defensive game across several North American leagues from the mid-1990s through 2010. Lawmaster developed in junior hockey with teams including the Detroit/Plymouth Whalers and Belleville Bulls of the OHL, helping Belleville capture the 1999 J. Ross Robertson Cup. He later played professionally in the AHL, ECHL, UHL, CHL, and IHL. Over his career, he was known for toughness, steady production from the blue line, and championship experience, including a Kelly Cup title with Peoria in 2000.

U16 Midget - Assistant Coach

U15 Midget - Coach

Looking for U15 Coach.

U15 Midget - Assistant Coach

Looking for U15 Assistant Coach Team Manager.

U14 Bantam - Coach Bond

Coach Jeff Bond is a long time Michigan AAA coach. A former NCAA D1 player at Western Michigan University, Coach Bond brings over 25 years of experience working with top AAA organizations throughout Michigan. He has also spent numerous years coaching at the Jr A level, further honing his skills and knowledge of the game. Coach Bond enjoys teaching hockey fundamentals and theories to Greater Michigan Prospect players of all ages, fostering both their technical abilities and passion for the sport.

U14 Bantam - Assistant Coach/ Team Manager Reames

Blake Reames brings over a decade of coaching experience to the ice, specializing in deep skill development and situational awareness. As a former All-State defenseman and recipient of the prestigious high school Hobey Baker Character Award, he knows firsthand what it takes to compete with both high-level intensity and exceptional integrity. Backed by 12 years of coaching AAA and high school hockey, Blake simply loves teaching the game. His mission is to break down complex skills into actionable habits, helping players elevate their game, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

U13 Bantam - Coach Miller

A Lansing native and Michigan State University alumnus, Kip recorded 261 points and became the first Spartan to win the Hobey Baker Award in 1990. He is part of a storied hockey family where ten members, including his brothers Kevin and Kelly and cousins Ryan and Drew, played for MSU. During his twelve-year NHL career, Kip played for the Nordiques, North Stars, Sharks, Islanders, Blackhawks, Penguins, Mighty Ducks, and Capitals.

U13 Bantam - Assistant Coach

Looking for a U13 Assistant Coach/ Team Manager.

U12 Peewee - Coach

Looking for U12 Peewee Coach

U12 Peewee - Assistant Coach/ Team Manager Vail

Chris Vail is a former professional and NCAA Division I hockey player known for his leadership, work ethic, and competitive drive. A four-year standout at Wayne State University, he played a key role in three conference championships and the program’s only NCAA Frozen Four appearance. Prior to college, he developed with the Vernon Vipers (BCHL) and starred at Lawrence Academy, earning First Team All–New England honors.

U11 Peewee - Coach Dameworth

A former draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers, Chad played professionally as a defenseman in the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL. Prior to his professional career, he played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey for Northern Michigan University. Before his collegiate career, "The Captain" spent two years with the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings of the NAJHL, where he won a championship during his final Junior A season.

U11 Peewee - Assistant Coach

Looking for U11Assistant Coach/ Team Manager.

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