The Away Tournament

Buffalo, North Bay, Lake Placid, Chicago, Sudbury, Hamilton, Clarington, Pittsburgh, London, Quebec City, Ottawa, Stratford.....
Been there, done that!  An expected part of every travelling hockey team's year is the away tournament.  Budget $1000.  Bring Mini-sticks and bathing suit.  Pricelesss - getting home Sunday night to do laundry.
I am thankful if there is only one away tournament - but sometimes there are several.  Best to check with the coaching staff before you sign your child on with the team.
Get a pre-trip car tuneup, check your GPS, print some maps for when the GPS makes no sense at all, get health insurance if you need it.  Bring some fruit and healthy snacks for the hotel room and car - so you don't live on restaurant food and drive-thru.  (not for the kids - for you - you'll be sitting on your behind watching hockey and driving all weekend).  Be prepared to sit in a restaurant for hours waiting for the team lunch.  Check to see if breakfast is included or pack some breakfast foods.  Does the room include a sofa bed?  Can anyone really sleep on that thing?  The kids love the tournament, so hold your breath, stay calm and try not to make it obvious you are hoping the team doesn't have to play the Sunday final game - so you can get home to that laundry.