Two Harbors Hosts Great Lake Skate Series, Mite Jamboree at Sonju Arena

Sonju Arena served as the hub of youth hockey activity across the North Shore this winter as the Two Harbors Youth Hockey Association ran its Great Lake Skate series of tournaments and jamborees, wrapping a seven-division schedule that stretched from early December through mid-February.

The series closed with the Mite 2 division jamboree on February 13-15, a $325 entry event that drew multiple Two Harbors squads alongside regional teams. The association fields two Mite 2 rosters, TH M2 Gray and TH M2 Maroon, as well as TH Mite 1 Gray and TH Mite 1 Maroon at the younger level, giving the local program a consistent presence on the ice throughout the jamboree weekend. Mite-level teams in the Great Lake Skate are guaranteed three games, assuming a full field.

Earlier in the series, the Bantam B1 tournament drew eight teams to Two Harbors, including North Shore, Ely, Duluth East, Hayward from Wisconsin, Wadena, Rogers, and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. Red Lake Falls claimed the top spot, with Rogers finishing second and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton taking third. The Girls 12U B tournament produced a North Shore championship, with Wisconsin's TNT finishing second and Superior third. Bantam, Peewee, and 12U divisions each carry a four-game guarantee under the association's format.

The full 2025-2026 Great Lake Skate calendar ran from the Bantam B1 event December 5-7 at $1,000 per team, through Peewee B on December 19-21 at $925, Girls 12U B on January 16-18 at $925, Mite 1 on January 23-25 at $300, Girls 10U B from January 30 through February 1 at $775, and Squirt B on February 6-8 at $775, before concluding with Mite 2.

Superior Shores serves as the preferred lodging partner for teams and families traveling to the events. Tournament apparel is available to order through the association's website, with items shipping directly to buyers' homes.

The Two Harbors Youth Hockey Association operates Sonju Arena as a year-round community rink, hosting 11U and 15U open hockey, recreational skating, and adult sessions alongside its competitive programs. The association also maintains resources for coaches, team managers, and volunteers, covering certification requirements, locker room monitor duties, concession stand operations, and a LiveBarn discount code for families who want to stream games remotely.