This was the first time, the USHL made its way to the eastern part of the United States to conduct an event when it hosted the USHL "Young Guns" Invitational Tournament, May 6-8 in Voorhees and Pennsauken, New Jersey.

 

The tournament provided an opportunity for players in the Midget Minor age group to be showcased in front of USHL teams and scouts.  In the Midget Minor Division (1995 and 1996 birth year players), the Minnesota Blades had an unblemished 6-0-0 record in capturing the tournament title.  They outscored their opponents 42-15 during the weekend.  In the championship game, the Blades earned a decisive 11-4 victory against the Valley Forge Minutemen which included hat tricks by both Dylan Malmquist and Spencer Nass.