History of the Future Stars Invitational
The Future Stars Invitational was born with the goal of bringing together the top youth ball hockey players from across the United States. The concept was simple: create a platform where the best young players, coaches, and general managers could come together to compete, develop, and prepare for future national team opportunities.
How it All Started
The program was drawn up in 2020 by Director of Hockey Operations Cory Herschk, who pitched the idea to the USA Ball Hockey Board of Directors. The idea wasn’t just to create another tournament, it was to offer a world-class experience for youth athletes, giving them a taste of what it’s like to be part of a national team and igniting their passion for the sport. The board embraced this vision, and shortly after, Pittsburgh-native Steve Gregory was brought in as the tournament director to help bring the program to life.
The Growth Over the Years
The first tournament featured just 3 divisions: the U16 Girls along with U15 and U13 Boys. Since then, the divisions have doubled to 3 age groups each for girls and boys from U19 to U11. In the early years, only four states were represented, but the event has since expanded to include a wide range of teams from all over the country. In 2024, Scott Tarzy took over as the program director, bringing a fresh perspective and enthusiasm for the growth of the event. Scott’s leadership has helped the program continue to evolve and reach new heights. In recent years, Future Stars has drawn teams from Michigan, Florida, and even Ontario, Canada participating alongside the established teams from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 2025 there are a projected 33 teams made up of over 600 players and 125 staff members!
Creating an Unforgettable Experience
The growth of Future Stars isn’t just about the number of participants – it’s also about the experience. Every year, we strive to improve the event by adding new features and initiatives. The first 4 years of the event at Buffalo RiverWorks had become a signature part of the program, offering a family-friendly venue with side-by-side rinks and a beautiful area to explore. USA Ball Hockey has made it a point to create an experience that’s not just about the hockey, it’s about making the event a memorable time for families and participants alike.
In 2025 the Future Stars Invitational is moving to an incredible new home in Utica, NY, allowing families the opportunity to explore beautiful upstate New York and experience a state-of-the-art 3-rink facility at the Utica University Nexus Center.
Success Stories & Alumni
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Future Stars Invitational has been seeing our alumni go on to bigger opportunities. Many players who participated in the program have moved up to represent the USA on national teams. In fact, in 2025 the entire U20 Women’s and U16 Boys National Teams competing this summer in Europe have come through the Future Stars program. The invitational tournament has become a launchpad for top talent, and it’s exciting to see these athletes progress to the highest levels of the sport!
Looking Toward the Future
As we look to the future, our goal is to include teams from every state that plays ball hockey. Expanding the program will help us continue to highlight and develop the best young talent across the country, ensuring the future of ball hockey remains strong.
We’re excited for what’s to come, and we’re committed to growing the Future Stars Invitational into the premier event for youth ball hockey. It’s about more than just playing a tournament, it’s about creating opportunities for players, coaches, and general managers to develop, grow, and lead in the future of the sport.
