The great game of hockey in the great state of Michigan can be thoroughly enjoyed at the annual Chipotle All-American Game at Plymouth’s USA Hockey Arena.

Every January, the top future NHL draft picks come to Plymouth. The game is a top showcase for emerging pro talent and it’s also Scout City. Twenty-eight of 32 teams in the National Hockey League have scouts here, and some teams have multiple scouts. This year Kris Draper, Chris Yzerman (Steve’s brother) and Kirk Maltby were at the game scouting for the Detroit Red Wings.

The whole arena was jumping with activity. Concessions were busy and the beer was flowing as top guys like Cole Eiserman exhibited fancy stick handling and expert puck control. Players were flying fast at the nets, ice flakes flying everywhere. Pennants and the American flag hang from the ceiling overlooking the 170,000-square-foot arena.

Forty-five players came from over 15 different states. And over 60 first-round draft picks have played in past games, including Dylan Larkin. Since the annual competition started in 2012, over 300 players have been selected in the NHL Draft. The game is broadcast live on NHL Network.

This year, Team White bested Team Blue for a 5-4 win, thanks to a game-winning goal by standout forward, John Mustard.

Some history: “I oversee the arena and the National Team Development Program,” said Scott Monaghan, assistant executive director for USA Hockey. “I moved to Plymouth when the program moved here from Ann Arbor about eight years ago. It was at The Cube from 1996-2015, then we purchased the arena from Compuware.” Monaghan loves the All-American Game.

“It’s a prospect game for the NHL to see the best draft-eligible players in the USA,” he said. “Former NY Ranger and hall of fame goaltender, John Vanbiesbrouck, who lives on Michigan’s westside, oversees junior hockey. Twenty-three guys per team, they mix them together. They get one practice together, then it’s gametime.”

The format is structured like a regular game.

“The main difference is it’s more offensive, so there’s more scoring chances than in a regular game,” he said. “It’s fast-paced and incredibly exciting to watch all this up-and-coming talent compete right here in Plymouth.”

Tons of NHL scouts were at the game.

“Oh man, yeah, there’s NHL scouts, player agents, college coaches, all sorts of people,” he said. “This year featured players like projected top-five pick Cole Eiserman from Boston, defenseman Cole Hutson, known for his slick puck handling and passing, and Mac Swanson of the Fargo Force, and many others.”

USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth features amazing events all year long. Most years, they host a Five Nations Tournament, which is another highly scouted international series. They even host Michigan high school state hockey playoffs, USA Hockey Nationals, high school commencements and summer drive-in movies. CJ’s Brewing Company inside the arena serves up tasty brews and food like pizza, fries, and mac n’ cheese. Directly next door to the arena is Holiday Inn Express, so visiting players don’t have to travel far to their hotel.

USA Hockey Arena is located at 14900 Beck Road. Call (734) 453-6400 or visit https://www.usahockeyarena.com/ for more information.