It will be a big weekend at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown as the 15th annual National Invitational Scholastic Showcase will be held today through Sunday.

Organized by the Pennsylvania Hockey Foundation, the goal of the event is to gather the top teams from across the United States and Canada under one format to compete for the Governor’s Cup.

The 2021 NISS event features state championship schools and scholastic powers from Eastern Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Defending champions Cathedral Prep of Erie, Pennsylvania captured the Governor’s Cup for the first time in 2019.

“We are thrilled to share this facility with people from all over the Midwest and eastern seaboard,” said tournament director Jeff Mauro. “It’s a wonderful facility, and the partnership with Northwest Arena and Craig Hinderleider, director of operations, has been nothing short of spectacular over the years. They really roll out the red carpet for us and we appreciate that. This year’s event feels like a homecoming after taking 2020 off, and we are excited to highlight the talent of these student athletes.

Keith Martin, Northwest Arena executive director, said he is “thrilled” to celebrate the “rich history of this tournament for the 15th time.”

“Northwest Arena is proud to showcase one of the finest facilities in our region and provide this economic boost to Chautauqua County,” he said.

The Showcase field includes the following teams: Bethel Park Blackhawks, Pittsburgh, five-time Pennsylvania Class AAA champions; Cathedral Prep Ramblers, Erie, three-time Pennsylvania Cup AAA and AA champions and 2019 NISS Governor’s Cup champions; Culver Academy Eagles, Indiana, 2021 and 30-time Indiana state champions; DeMatha Catholic Stags, Hyattsville, Maryland, 10-time Maryland state champions; Franklin Regional Panthers, Murrysville, Pennsylvania, 2021 Penguins Cup finalists; Glenbrook South Titans, Chicago, two-time Illinois Blackhawk Cup Red State champions; Holy Ghost Prep Firebirds, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 2015 Pennsylvania Cup AAA champions and four-time NISS Governor’s Cup champions; McDowell Trojans, Erie, four-time Pennsylvania finalists; Medina Bees, Cleveland, 2016 Ohio Club champions; North Allegheny Tigers, Wexford, Pennsylvania, two-time Pennsylvania AAA champions; Peters Township Indians, McMurray, Pennsylvania, five-time Pennsylvania AAA and AA champions; St. Edwards Eagles, 11-time Ohio State Athletic Association champions; University School, Huntingdon Valley, Ohio, 2019 Ohio State finalists and 2012 Ohio State champion; Upper St. Clair Panthers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, three-time Pennsylvania Class AAA state champions; and West Chester Rustin Knights, Philadelphia, seven-time Pennsylvania Cup A champions and 2017 USA Hockey national high school champions.

The tournament runs from 2:30-9 p.m. today; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Sunday’s play begins at 8:30 a.m. with the final game beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is free.