The USPHL Combine has officially kicked off at the Fifth Third Arena in downtown Chicago, Ill.

The event, which runs Friday through Sunday, began on Friday with intense practice sessions all run by USPHL coaches from a wide array of teams – from the Minnesota Moose and the Potomac Patriots to the Chicago Cougars and Motor City Hockey Club, and many more.

Players have come to the Combine from 22 different U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. Participants have come in from as far away as British Columbia, California and Arizona in the West and Quebec, Maryland and Florida on the Atlantic coast.

The birth years of the players range from 1999 to 2004, with the majority of participants (nearly 70 percent) born in the middle years 2001-03.

Saturday will be a very busy day at the Combine, with each of the 10 teams playing two games, taking part in off-ice training with Chicago Blackhawks Strength and Conditioning Coach Paul Goodman, and also learning about the USPHL through Information/Q&A Sessions.

Follow the USPHL on Twitter (@USPHL), Facebook (United States Premier Hockey League) and Instagram (@usphlhockey) throughout the weekend for photos and other updates.