The youth hockey community came together Saturday to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity thanks to the New York Rangers.

Forty-eight teams competed across the tri-state Saturday and 12 will get to play at Madison Square Garden Sunday.

It's part of the first annual Junior Rangers Cup.

Hockey teams ages 8 and under hit the ice in New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester and Connecticut.

New York Rangers officials say the tournament adds to the plethora of unique opportunities the franchise offers to youth hockey players in the tri-state area.

Connecticut teams in the tournament hail from Darien, Stamford, New Canaan and Shelton.

NHL veteran and former New York Rangers defenseman Tom Laidlaw says an opportunity to play at the world's most famous arena is a dream come true.

Rangers alumni say learn-to-play clinics help engage the community and create new youth hockey fans in the area.