The Meijer State Games of Michigan is inviting community members across the state to apply for the Adopt An Athlete program, which helps remove cost as a barrier to participating in the Winter and Summer Games. This year, Corewell Health joins the Meijer State Games of Michigan as the newest supporter of the Adopt An Athlete program.
The best players in the country, period.
From Hockeytown to Hastings, Michigan hockey is rooted deep within the state’s culture. Michigan has long been recognized as a pillar of hockey culture across the country, in part fueled by the exciting and ever-growing youth hockey scene that continues to produce talent!
Hockey in Michigan proves to be more than just a pass-time, it’s a genuine way of life. From playing on frozen ponds to playing pick up at a local rink, hockey has a tight knit community like no other sport in the world. Michigan players, both past and present, have a lifetime relationship with the sport, which is why parents continue to sign up their kids to play at higher rates than other states, because for us, this is a way of life – not just a weekend activity.
There is strength in numbers, and Michigan certainly does not shy away from proving we have one of the largest player bases in the country, rivaling states like Minnesota and Massachusetts. According to USA Hockey’s 2024-25 season report, Michigan had a total of 40,738 registered youth players, an increase from the previous season (USA Hockey, 2025). This growing number of players, even with older players phasing out of the programs, shows a thriving youth interest in the game.
Photo: West Michigan Sports Commission, 2024
Michigan consistently produces top of the line players that are born and raised through the youth programs in the state. It all starts with the programs and coaches that work hard to foster an exciting and challenging environment for players that furthers their talent, which continues to prove successful when looking at where Michigan players end up in their older years. In the 2026 Winter Olympic Games alone, 8 Michigan Born players have been selected on the men and women’s teams, with notable names like Jack and Quinn Hughes, Dylan Larkin, and Connor Hellebuyck!
Considering the size and regional differences throughout the state, there is already an unspoken rivalry set between Michiganders from different regions. The U.P. vs the Lower Peninsula, the East side vs the West side, any countless more on a smaller level fuels player’s passion in competition to prove that their region, team, or district is the best in the state!
Michigan’s consistent dominance in the hockey community is undeniable - from being home to an Original 6 iconic team like the Red Wings, to Western Michigan winning the 2025 Men’s NCAA tournament - but all of that impact starts with our youth hockey programs and players!
Interested in representing your region in a statewide tournament? Look no further than the 2026 Meijer State Games of Michigan Hockey Tournament, happening from June 25-28th, 2026 in the Greater Grand Rapids area! With both a boys and girls tournament, featuring players aged from 8-18, players have the unique opportunity to represent their region on a statewide level. Register for tryouts, today!
References:USA Hockey 2024-25 Season Final Registration Reports - https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b284-3407391/2024-25_Season_Final_Registration_Reports.pdfThe countdown is ON! The State Games of Michigan Summer Games are coming in hot. The ultimate Olympic-style event that brings the spirit of international competition close to home!
Uniting athletes across Michigan, proudly backed by the West Michigan Sports Commission, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has 41 unique events, across 41 venues with 33 sports, including Boys Volleyball, a first time sport for the Summer Games, and many more returning events.
Mark your Calendars! We’re kicking things off the Olympic way! An Opening Ceremony you won’t want to miss! We are opening with a bang – high energy performances, and electric excitement to launch the weekend of epic athletic competition.
The kickoff party begins at 6:30 pm, with the Opening Ceremony following at 7:30 pm. Following our athlete parade, there will be entertainment from TNT Dunk Squad, keynote speaker and Olympic Gold medalist, Tia Brooks, lighting of the cauldron, and more. Admission is free to all spectators and athletes. For more information regarding the Opening Ceremony visit: Opening Ceremony – State Games of Michigan
The State Games is bringing the heat with 41 action-packed events that capture the spirit of the Olympics – with a twist! Not only is this competition, but it’s also a celebration of the skill, strength, and strategy that the athletes give to their event. Whether you’re going for gold, or cheering from the stands, every event is set to challenge and entertain!
From crowd favorite events to brand new additions you’ll see
Excited hockey matches showcasing skill, speed, and teamwork.
Baseball games, filled with fun competition.
Competitive stroke play golf where every shot counts.
Intense Boys Volleyball battles where skill and strategy will dominate.
And 37 more unique events that will challenge athletes and thrill the fans.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event. In its 16th year, the Games welcome athletes of all ages and abilities to compete. Each year, 50+ sporting events take place and over 8,500 athletes compete in the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Like the Olympics, the State Games features an opening ceremony for athletes. The flagship event of the West Michigan Sports Commission, the Meijer State Games of Michigan is a member of the National Congress of State Games and is one of 30 State Games programs in the United States. Since 2010, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted over 110,000 athletes and contributed more than $42 million in estimated economic impact. For more information, visit StateGamesOfMichigan.com.
Sponsors of the Meijer State Games of Michigan – Summer Games include title sponsor Meijer: gold sponsors Nova Care and Lake Michigan Credit Union: silver sponsors Blue Cross Blue Sheild and Fox Motors: bronze sponsors Lacks, Peppino’s, fairlife, Tele-Rad, Northern Michigan University, Gordon Water Systems, and Serv-U-Success: and supporting sponsors Life EMS, Experience Grand Rapids, and Michigan Fitness Foundation.
