The Let's Play Hockey Expo, the world's largest consumer hockey show, returns to Saint Paul RiverCentre March 7-8. Powered by the Minnesota Wild, and held in conjunction with the Minnesota State High School League Boys Hockey State Tournament, the Expo is open to the public and offers a sneak peek at the newest and most innovative equipment from top brands such as Warrior, CCM, and True Hockey.

The Expo will also showcase training equipment, hockey camps and clinics, backyard rink options, and the latest hockey swag from several apparel vendors. Players can also test their skills at several interactive stations throughout the Expo. Other top brands at the expo include: Minnesota Wild, Hockeyak, Nice Rink, Absolute Filth, Howie’s Hockey Tape, K1 Sportswear, Goon Guard, NHL Sense Arena, Pulltab Sports, MNHockeyTV, Sophie’s Squad, Minnesota Hockey, Cwench, and many more.

"The Expo is a great collective of everything hockey," said Let's Play Hockey owner Bryan Zollman. "Whether you are a player, a hockey parent, a coach, an official, or just a fan, there is something for everyone at the Let's Play Hockey Expo. If you love hockey, the Expo is a bucket list event."

Let's Play Hockey has also partnered with CWENCH Hydration as the official hydration partner of the Expo. CWENCH is an all-natural, sugar-free sports drink with 6+ electrolytes that is endorsed by hockey players including NHL MVP Nathan MacKinnon and Cole Caufield.

CWENCH recently launched a new flavour with Coach Chippy called Tropical Flow, which (along with all flavours of CWENCH) will be available for purchase online, at local retailers, and sampled at the Expo.

"Players and their parents are demanding healthier choices that support performance, and CWENCH Hydration is exactly that," said Zollman. "It's no wonder players like Nate MacKinnon and Cole Caufield are choosing CWENCH over other sports drinks. It's also why we are excited to partner with CWENCH for the Let's Play Hockey Expo and help introduce it to the state of hockey!"

John Celenza, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Cizzle Brands (the company behind CWENCH Hydration) added: "We're delighted to be part of the Let's Play Hockey Expo for many reasons. Minnesota is an important state for hockey and for CWENCH Hydration. It's why, in addition to the Let's Play Hockey Expo, we've become the official hydration partner of Minnesota Hockey. We're excited to see people's faces when they try CWENCH, especially Chippy's Tropical Flow, knowing it tastes great, is healthy, and can help elevate everyone's athletic performance."

Hockey enthusiasts can check out products and services from more than 100 exhibitors, including many companies exhibiting at the Expo for the first time. Cutting-edge product demonstrations, grand prize giveaways, hourly door prize drawings and celebrity appearances make the Expo one of the can't-miss hockey events of the season.

Several popular social media personalities will be at this year's Expo. "We will have some of the industry's top social media influencers attending, so it's a great chance for all the young hockey players to meet the people they follow on Instagram and TikTok," said Zollman. Appearances are expected and will be updated on the Let's Play Hockey Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. 

One of the staples of the Expo is hourly giveaways. Each hour on the hour Let's Play Hockey gives away dozens of door prizes to attendees. There are also several grand prize giveaways at the Expo including skates, sticks, and much more from dozens of vendors. "It's pretty tough to leave the Expo empty handed," said Zollman.

The Expo runs Friday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for ages 19 and older, and FREE for anyone 18 and under.

"This is the best time of the year," said Zollman. "The best tournament in the country is happening next door, and it's a time where the hockey community comes together and celebrates the game they are so passionate about. It's one big hockey party."